As the New Year dawns many people contemplate making changes, called resolutions, which will improve their lives. The top five resolutions in order of ranking are 1) Exercise more; 2) Lose weight; 3) Get organized; 4) Learn a new skill or hobby; and, 5) Live life to the fullest.1 It is not surprising that improving one’s oral health is not even in the top 10 of the rankings. Dental health professionals would argue that it should be.
By the time you reach adulthood you have all the natural teeth you are ever going to have.
As you lose teeth to decay, gum disease, injury and other factors your ability to chew decreases and chewing is where your food digestion process begins. The good news is that a renewed focus on improving your oral health can generally be accomplished by making that top two resolution — losing weight.
Foods for healthy teeth and weight
The foods and the nutrition advice that help you lose weight also help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Overall, your mouth and entire body will function best when you eat mostly whole foods, focusing on lean protein and fresh vegetables, and staying away from processed foods, especially those that are high in simple sugars.2 Some foods and nutrients are especially good at helping to maintain, and even improve, your oral health.
Blueberries, cranberries, red cabbage, eggplant peel, black rice and raspberries are all rich in anthocyanins, which are phytochemicals. Anthocyanins may prevent the attachment and colonization of pathogens on host tissue, including teeth, with some studies revealing that cranberry extract-infused mouthwash improves dental health.3
While tea has the power to stain teeth it is also a tooth-friendly beverage as it contains polyphenols which have been known to reduce bacteria and toxic products of bacteria in the mouth.4 Tea is also rich in natural fluoride, a well-known tooth strengthener.
Improve immunity and oral health
Foods high in the amino acid arginine can alter oral pH and reduce your chances of getting cavities.5 Nuts, seeds, dairy products, meat and whole grains are sources of arginine.6 In addition to helping your teeth arginine can promote wound healing, dilate and relax your arteries, maintain your immune and hormone function and help your kidneys remove waste products from your body.
Cheese, while containing arginine, also is high in phosphate and calcium, which are good for your teeth, and cheese also balances the pH in your mouth, produces more saliva, rebuilds tooth enamel and kills bacteria that cause tooth cavities and gum disease.7
If you want to give your toothbrush a bit of a rest, try eating raw celery. It cleans your teeth as it massages your gums and it also helps produce more saliva which washes away bacteria in your mouth. Celery is so good for you that “for centuries civilizations across the globe used celery not as food, but as a medicinal herb.”8 Celery contains antioxidants which have the potential to lower your risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
These are just some of the nutritious and delicious foods that can help you lose weight, keep your teeth healthy and improve your overall health. By following a sensible and nutritious diet you can actually accomplish more than one New Year’s resolution so that you can join the 4 percent of Americans who actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions!9
Healthy teeth mean a great smile
Our dental office in Walled Lake can help you achieve optimal oral health beginning with addressing your dental health concerns. Our dental services include general and cosmetic dentistry, the latest in dental treatments and dental education for those seeking to learn more about dental health.
Our dental staff is caring and experienced with a commitment to customized dental care. So, whether you need teeth cleaning, need to restore your smile or are seeking cosmetic solutions, all lead to a beautiful smile with improved overall health. Call to schedule a Free dental consultation, it’s a great way to start your journey towards a smile that both you and your body will love.
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1 Top 1- Most Common New Year’s Resolutions by Brad Zomick
Link: https://www.goskills.com/Soft-Skills/Resources/Top-10-new-years-resolutions#
2,3,4,5 The Dental Diet: 10 Nutrition Strategies for Healthy Teeth by Ryan Andrews, MS, MA, RD, RYT, CSCS
Link: https://www.precisionnutrition.com/nutrition-teeth-dental-health#
6 Top Foods High in Arginine, 11/28/2022
Link: https://www.webmd.com/diet/top-foods-high-in-arginine#
7 What Foods Are Good for Your Teeth?
Link: https://www.dental.net/dental-nutrition/foods-good-for-teeth/#
8 Is Celery Good for You? Here’s What a Dietitian Says by Sara Haas, RDN, 12/7/2021
Link: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7935325/is-celery-good-for-you/
9 The Number of People Who Stick to Their New Year’s Resolutions Is Very Low, 12/30/2019
Link: https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-psychology-of-flossing#4