9 Great Meatless Foods For Your Oral Health!

Most people would admit that they could eat more fruit and vegetables in their day to day diet. With so many lovely convenience foods around, it can sometimes be easy to forget to include the healthy things we need, and many of us can fall short of 'eating the rainbow' day to day. Unfortunately, avoiding fruit and vegetables isn't good for our overall health and statistics show that not eating enough fruit and vegetables can result in an increased risk of head and neck cancer.

As it is National Vegetarian Week, here at Your Egham dentist we wanted to offer you some extra reasons to make increased efforts with including more meat-free foods in your diet, especially fruit and vegetables. Here are 9 of the best meatless foods for oral health:

1. Cheese

Cheese is known to be excellent for the teeth because it is jam packed full of calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen the teeth and although it is high in fat, a recommended portion size of a matchbox a few times a week will help to boost your oral health.

2. Apples

Apples are fantastic for the teeth because they are mildly acidic which is thought to provide a natural whitening effect. They also have lots of fibre and nutrients to feed your body with good stuff, all whilst naturally stimulating the gums because of their texture.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are over 90% water and so they are a wonderful way to 'eat your water', helping to keep you hydrated and away from sugary drinks. They are also acidic and also thought to be good for whitening the teeth.

4. Celery

Celery and other crunchy vegetables cleanse the teeth because of the way they brush against lingering food debris when you chew. They can't replace brushing but they can certainly aid in promoting excellent oral health.

5. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale are excellent for the teeth as they are low calorie and high in nutrients, especially calcium which is great for the teeth!

6. Almonds

Almonds are one of the lowest fat nuts, and they are also low in sugar. They help general tooth health because of their protein and calcium content.

7. Onions

Onions are not good for the smell of your breath, that is for sure! However they can be excellent for your oral health because they neutralise acid in the mouth. Acid can damage enamel on the teeth in excess quantities.

8. Peppers

Red, orange and yellow peppers are high in vitamin C which is an anti-inflammatory. Foods that are anti-inflammatory like peppers, help fight against dental diseases and infections.

9. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake contains a special ingredient called lentinan which is a real warrior against 'nasties' in the mouth. It kills the nasty bacteria that build plaque, helping to protect your oral health.

Please call Crown House Dental in Egham if you would like further oral health advice, to register or to make an appointment for a checkup. You can contact us on 01784432641 and we will be more than happy to help. Here at your local Egham dental surgery our team will do all they can to support your oral health, whatever your choose to include, or remove from your diet.