‘An Apple a Day Keeps the Dentist Away’ and Other Foods for Good Oral Health

We’ve all heard the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the dentist away.’ Is there any truth to this old adage or is it an old wives tale? Can eating an apple each day really lead to better oral health?

Yes! As it turns out, there’s a lot of truth to this rhyme—apples are, in fact, good for your teeth. Eating an apple each day can help you maintain good oral health, lowering your risk of cavities by naturally cleaning away plaque from your teeth. Apples and other fruits can also hydrate your gums and even give you fresher breath!

Curious about what other foods might help make your next trip to the dentist a little easier? Here are a few foods proven to improve oral health, for stronger teeth, healthier gums and fresher breath.

• Dairy like milk, yogurt and cheese can help you build a strong smile. The calcium in dairy products helps strengthen your teeth, and the high phosphate content of most pasteurized dairy balances pH levels in the mouth. Less acidity is gentler on gums, resulting in reduce inflammation.
• Leafy greens like kale and spinach might not be your favorite foods to eat, but your teeth and gums will love them! These foods are high in folic acid and calcium, which help strengthen teeth and gums. They’re also anti-inflammatory and can reduce gum swelling and sensitivity.
• Fatty fish like salmon and tuna not only provide a great source of protein—they’re saliva-inducing foods that help lower the acidity in your mouth. Aside from being literally mouth-watering, amino acids from fatty fish are great building blocks for better oral health, strengthening gum tissue and reducing inflammation.
• Green tea has powerful antioxidant properties, which is exactly what your gums need to thrive. Tea also contains polyphenols: micronutrients linked to everything from better digestion, to reduced blood sugar, to improved nerve health. Switching your morning cup of coffee to a morning cup of tea could keep you out of the dentist’s chair!
• Fruits and veggies are a great change-up from your everyday apple, offering many of the same benefits. Fiber-rich fruits and veggies are also your first line of defense against acidic buildups in your mouth, which can cause decay. They also stimulate your gums, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Notice something about all these foods? They’re also cornerstones of a well-balanced diet! Eating them regularly not only keeps teeth and gums strong—they’re also great for maintaining total-body wellness, which reflects in your oral health.

The next time you sit down for a meal, make sure there’s an apple nearby—or one of the other foods listed above! Your teeth and gums (and your dentist) will thank you for your decision to eat healthy.

Looking for more tips on how to improve your oral health? Keep checking back with Levenson Periodontal Associates for simple things you can do to stay on top of your oral health and prevent periodontal disease from affecting your health.