Many people wear green clothes to keep themselves from getting pinched each St. Patrick’s Day. But did you know that consuming green foods is a component of keeping your teeth and gums healthy? So, put these green items on your next grocery list.
Chock full of Vitamin C and E, broccoli is one vegetable that stands out for oral health:
- Wards off oral bacteria
- Aids in healing
- Strengthens teeth
- Protects enamel
Did you know that kiwis are loaded with Vitamin C? These fuzzy green fruits provide over 100% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing gum disease.
Spring has sprung, which means it’s asparagus season! Here’s a tip: enjoy more asparagus! Although they may not seem like much, asparagus tips and spears contain a wealth of nutrients, including:
- Vitamins A, C, E, and K
Furthermore, asparagus is an excellent source of prebiotic fiber, which helps aid digestion and balance the gut microbiome. Adding asparagus to the menu at least once a week can keep your teeth and digestive tract healthy.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables are a critical component of a balanced diet. While low in calories, leafy greens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here are some of our favorites:
- Spinach and kale are superfoods brimming with vitamins (A, C, and K), folic acid, iron, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, and protein. What more could you ask for in a simple leaf?
- Cabbage is high in fiber, Vitamins C and K, and glucosinates (special antioxidants that may aid in disease suppression).
- Did you know that one measly cup of Swiss chard provides over three times the daily allowance of Vitamin K?
- Although carrots are predominantly orange, carrot tops are green, fibrous, and crammed with beta carotene.
5. Green Tea
- Reduce inflammation
- Prevent bone resorption
- Stifle bacterial growth that is associated with gum disease
Whether you meet your match with matcha or enjoy green tea poured over ice, unsweetened green tea is a smart swap for sugary drinks.
6. Green Apples
If you are thinking about grabbing a candy bar, consider holding a green apple instead. When you replace sugary treats with fresh apples, you:
- Gain hydration
- Chew the fibrous texture of the fruit, which can gently remove plaque trapped between teeth
- Stimulate the gums
- Reinforce gum health by supplying the gums with antioxidants and polyphenols
- Promote healthy saliva production
Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy this St. Patrick’s Day with a Balanced Diet of Green Foods and Regular Dental Checkups
While plenty of green foods can keep your mouth healthy, it’s simply not enough to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions. So, we recommend that young patients visit their dentists at least every six months.
Are you searching for a new dentist for your kids in Overland Park? Well, look no further. Our kid’s dentist, Dr. Matt, is anything but green. Dr. Matt has years of experience helping children keep their teeth and gums in optimal condition. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment. Call (913) 685-9990 or message us online today.