We Highly Recommend That Your Go-To Snack is Fresh Vegetables
Posted on 1/25/2021 by Dr. Call |
 The connection between your diet and your dental health involves more than just limiting the amount of sugar you consume. Acidic fruits, dried fruits, nuts, popcorn, and starchy snacks like chips and crackers all have the potential to harm your teeth. While these foods can be fine in moderation as long as you follow proper oral hygiene and visit us regularly for checkups, we recommend that you make fresh vegetables your go-to snack for the following reasons.
Vegetables Contain Teeth-Strengthening Vitamins and Minerals
Many vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for strong, healthy teeth. Some of these important nutrients include calcium, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium, and folic acid. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are all crucial for rebuilding your enamel and strengthening your teeth and bones. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents cell damage and infections. Folic acid is a form of vitamin B that is especially beneficial for women, and has the potential to prevent gum disease in pregnant women.
You can find vitamin C in vegetables such as sweet peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and parsley. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are the best vegetable sources of calcium and magnesium. But if you are looking for a more snack-friendly vegetable option to get these vital nutrients, try eating snap peas, raw broccoli, or bell peppers with your favorite healthy dip.
Crunchy Vegetables Help Clean Your Teeth
Another amazing advantage of snacking on fresh vegetables is that they actually help clean your teeth as you eat them. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery stimulate saliva production, which is essential for a healthy mouth. The fibrous texture of these raw vegetables also helps to clean plaque from your teeth and freshen your breath. Plus, fresh vegetables have a high water content, and staying hydrated is crucial for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. For more tooth-friendly snack ideas, contact our office.
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