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Sugary sweets, soda, citrus fruit—there’s a lot you may want to keep out of your diet if you want your teeth to be strong and healthy. However, there are plenty of healthy foods and drinks out there that can improve your dental health.  As a Milton, WI, dental care provider focused on protecting patients’ smiles, Jeanne Rowland, DDS, highlights a few items you should be consuming.

5 Foods & Beverages to Add to Your Diet to Enhance Dental Care

1. Milk and Cheese

On the subject of dental-friendly diets, milk is usually at the top of the list. That’s because the calcium can help strengthen enamel, ward off decay, and prevent gum disease. If you’re not into drinking milk, consider nibbling on cheese after you eat a meal. In addition to providing calcium, cheese can help scrub your teeth to reduce food particles and cavity-causing bacteria.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt is a healthy snack that contains calcium and proteins that are essential for building strong teeth. But what sets this dairy item apart from all the rest is its probiotic profile. Probiotics are live bacteria that are typically recognized for boosting digestive health. However, they can also help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that are responsible for bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

3. Green Tea

dental careIf you’re looking for a healthy dose of caffeine that’s also good for your teeth, consider a cup of green tea. This type of tea contains polyphenols—a phytochemical compound that is known to slow the growth of dangerous oral bacteria that are responsible for cavities and gum disease. Tea also contains fluoride, which is an element that is recognized for its tooth-strengthening properties.

4. Apples

Apples contain vitamins C and D, which are both recognized for their ability to boost the health of your gums. And, when you chew apples, they also help clean food and bacteria from your teeth.  

5. Leafy Greens

Finding a piece of spinach or kale stuck between your teeth might be a little embarrassing, but eating these leafy greens is totally worth it. In addition to calcium, dark greens also contain a type of vitamin B known as folic acid. This can help repair damaged cells in gum tissue, a quality that can help prevent and heal gum disease.

While consuming these foods and beverages will do a lot to protect your teeth and gums, your diet is just part of the dental health equation. To maximize your dental care, it’s essential to schedule cleanings about every six months with a trusted dentist. In addition to routine exams and cleanings, Jeanne Rowland, DDS, provides a wealth of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services, which you can learn more about online. Or, if you’d like to schedule an appointment, call (608) 868-4500 to reach the office. 

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