You are what you eat, so the saying goes. And that’s certainly true when it comes to your dental health — your dentist will tell you that you should avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that are bad for your teeth. But did you know that some foods support healthy teeth and gums? We’ve put together this list of some of the top tooth-friendly foods to eat for great dental health.

1. Crunchy vegetables

As well as being a rich source of vitamin C, crunchy vegetables eaten raw, like carrots, celery, peppers and peas, can help remove plaque from your teeth. This keeps them clean and reduces the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Salmon

This delicious fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. While these powerful “healthy fats” are best known for lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, they also protect your mouth from gum infections and help gums heal quicker if you are undergoing treatment.

3. Strawberries

It may surprise you to know that strawberries are a natural tooth whitener. This is due to malic acid, which has natural stain-removing and whitening properties. It’s also found in high quantities in apples and watermelons.

4. Dairy products

Make sure you include dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt (or soy or almond milk if you follow a vegan diet) for healthy teeth. These foods are high in protein and calcium, meaning they strengthen tooth enamel and help guard against decay and tooth loss.

5. Onions and garlic

Believe it or not, onions and garlic are actually great for your dental hygiene! While they are commonly linked with bad breath, the opposite is actually true. Onions and garlic have strong antibacterial properties, which means they help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay, inflamed gums and bad breath.

6. Sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals helps your mouth to produce more saliva and, in turn, reduce the risk of tooth decay. Saliva is essential to your oral health as it helps to wash away food particles and neutralise the acid produced when food is broken down by bacteria in your mouth.

7. Nuts

Sugar- and salt-free nuts make a tasty snack that’s good for many aspects of your health. Their high fibre and calcium content means they can help make tooth enamel stronger. Chewing on nuts also stimulates saliva production to help protect against tooth decay.

8. Mint

Mint is associated with fresh breath — and there’s a good reason behind this link, as it’s known to have antibacterial qualities. Enjoying a cup of mint tea after meals will not only freshen your breath but also help you digest your food. You could alternatively chew a fresh mint leaf to benefit from its antibacterial qualities.

9. Wholegrain foods

Wholegrain foods like wholemeal bread, brown rice and oats are packed full of minerals and B vitamins, which are great for health. Include them in abundance in your diet to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy.

10. Cinnamon

This distinctive-flavoured spice is great for dental hygiene thanks to its antibacterial properties. You can make your own mouthwash at home to help prevent plaque and bacteria build-up by boiling some water and adding some cinnamon. Once it’s cooled, use it like regular mouthwash for a great-tasting rinse.

Find out more about healthy teeth and gums

As well as choosing a healthy diet, make sure you follow a good oral hygiene routine.

This should include regular brushing, flossing and visits to your dentist for a dental check-up.

At your dental appointment, you can find out more about how to take good care of your teeth and gums, including making healthy lifestyle choices.

Why not give us a call here at Somersmiles? We always love welcoming new patients (and reconnecting with old ones too!) from the Somerville, Frankston, Mornington and Tooradin areas. We also offer a complete range of dental services to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.