The Five Best Foods for Your Teeth
In Mountain View, CA, our beautiful city offers a close community with all the comforts of home. At Smile By Design, our dentist and the friendly dental team at our practice like to think of our patients as family rather than just a patient, and look after them like family.
When it comes to choosing your daily meals, you may not often think about how the foods your choose can affect your oral health. Your teeth are just as important to your body as any other organ and should be cared for with some smart eating choices. Luckily, we have a dedicated Farmers’ Market here in Mountain View that offers a variety of food that can bring you a healthy, happy smile.
Mountain View Farmers’ Market
With winter still here, the selection at the market isn’t as bountiful, but there’s quite a few dedicated vendors who still turn up with delicious crops. Take a look at the list of superfoods for your teeth below, and then pay a visit to the farmers’ market at Caltrain Station on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As spring edges closer and closer, you can expect to find some fruitful selections as well!
Top Five Foods for Your Teeth
Green Tea
Tea is a very healthy drink, but green tea has the added bonus of containing catechins that can fight bacterial infections. This includes those nasty bacterial visitors who lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and more. In general, tea is also healthy for your body as well.
Nuts
It’s already been said that nuts are nature’s protein, but they also have phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Check out some almonds or Brazilian nuts, as they’re also packed with tons of calcium. Calcium is the best vitamin for your teeth, so it wouldn’t hurt to eat a few handfuls of nuts as a snack or in a dessert.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Have you been told that you have gingivitis or are at risk for gingivitis? This unique type of mushroom is packed with a particular vitamin called lentinan. You can think of lentinan as a super-compound that combats those cavity-causing bacteria that manifests into gingivitis. If you’re starting to feel cavities forming, reach for those shiitake mushrooms and let the lentinan take over.
Fibrous Food
When we say fibrous foods, we’re talking about foods that are rich in water and fiber such as apples, celery and more. Water is the number one supplier for your saliva, which keep bacteria in check. It’s also said that fibrous foods are great for cleaning off the surfaces of your teeth, like a natural toothbrush. Of course this is no substitute for proper oral care as well.
Dairy
Since we were young we were always taught that dairy is good for your bones, and it’s still true! Studies have shown that chewing hard cheese can also be a natural scrub for the plaque on your teeth, and that calcium-rich dairy can strengthen your teeth. Take a look at some custom cheese or find some good cheese pairings while perusing the farmers’ market.
Restore Your Smile
Despite your best efforts, sometimes dental issues can arise. If your teeth have become stained or are discolored, we encourage you to consult Dr. Shen about a teeth whitening treatment. Teeth whitening can spruce up the appearance of your teeth without damaging the enamel.
For other dental flaws such as cracks, crevices, or misalignments, we also offer porcelain veneers and dental crowns to repair that. These two procedures can bring symmetry back to your smile without sacrificing the strength of your bite.
Ask Us About the Best Food for Your Teeth
If you’re curious about what else you can do to care for your teeth, feel free to contact us at Smile By Design. Dr. Shen and staff will be happy to address your question, and guide you down the best path of nutrition for your teeth. If you have any questions regarding an interest in a treatment we offer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shen and discover what we can do to make your smile more brilliant.