Our diet has a significant impact on our oral health. For instance, consuming too much sugar and starches can cause cavities, while a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and protein can keep our teeth and gums healthy.

Here are the top foods that dentists recommend for oral health:.

1. Apples

Apples are high in fiber and water, which helps stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which can cause bad breath and tooth decay.

The crunchy texture of apples also helps clean your teeth, removing stains and preventing plaque buildup.

2. Cheese

Did you know cheese is an excellent source of calcium? Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and consuming cheese can help strengthen and remineralize your tooth enamel.

Cheese also stimulates saliva production, which, as mentioned earlier, helps fight off tooth decay.

3. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eating leafy greens can help keep the mouth moist and reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Leafy greens are also high in calcium, which strengthens your tooth enamel.

4. Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy teeth and gums. Vitamin A helps maintain the mucous membranes in your mouth, which act as a barrier against bacteria and other germs.

Carrots are also crunchy, which helps clean your teeth and massage your gums.

5. Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of protein, magnesium, and calcium- three nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Protein helps strengthen tooth enamel, while magnesium can reduce inflammation in the gums, preventing gum disease.

Calcium, as mentioned earlier, is essential for strong teeth and bones.

6. Salmon

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the body and prevent gum disease. Omega-3s can also reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

Salmon is also an excellent source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones and teeth.

7. Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, both of which are crucial for good oral health. The probiotics in yogurt can also help reduce bad breath and prevent gum disease.

Make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt, as added sugar can cancel out the benefits.

8. Broccoli

Broccoli is high in vitamin C, which can help prevent gum disease by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Like other leafy greens, broccoli is also high in calcium, which strengthens your teeth and prevents decay.

Broccoli also contains iron, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood vessels in the gums.

9. Water

While not technically a food, drinking water is crucial for good oral health. Water helps keep the mouth moist, preventing dry mouth and bad breath. Water also washes away food particles and bacteria, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Additionally, water helps neutralize acids in the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.

10. Cranberries

Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which can help prevent gum disease and oral cancer. The polyphenols in cranberries also prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth, which prevents plaque buildup and bad breath.

Just be careful- many cranberry products contain added sugar, which can harm your teeth.

Now that you know the top foods for oral health, it’s time to start incorporating them into your diet. Remember to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.