Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth (And Can Boost Your Immune System)

If you want to keep your mouth healthy and fight back against common viruses that cause illnesses like the flu and the common cold, the team at White Dental Spa is here to help. Our dentists in Dallas put together a list of some of the foods that are the best for your teeth, and for your immune system!

Broccoli And Other Fibrous Green Vegetables

Broccoli and other similar fibrous green veggies, including brussels sprouts, greens, celery, and asparagus, are all packed full of healthy vitamins including vitamin A, C, and E, which are essential for keeping your immune system in great shape.

Not only that, but fibrous vegetables are good for your teeth. The fibers help scrub your teeth as you chew, acting as natural “toothbrushes.” You’ll be able to remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth as you chew! 

Fruits High In Vitamin C

Any fruit that is high in vitamin C is great for your immune system, since vitamin C is very important for maintaining your immunity. Citrus fruits have a ton of vitamin C, so they’re great for your immune system.

However, the citric acid in citrus can slightly weaken your teeth, so drink some water or rinse your mouth after eating citrus to keep your smile healthy. You should also avoid brushing within 30 minutes of consuming acidic foods like citrus.

Don’t want to worry about acid? Red bell peppers are a great alternative. They’re crammed with more vitamin C than some common citrus fruits, and do not contain any acid that could affect your teeth. 

Greek Yogurt

Calcium is essential for a healthy mouth, and dairy products like yogurt have plenty of calcium to meet your daily nutritional requirements. In addition, many types of yogurt and other dairy products are fortified with vitamin D, which is equally important for healthy bones and teeth. That makes yogurt a nutritional powerhouse!

It’s good for your immune system, too, especially if you choose yogurt with live active cultures. Probiotics have been found to help with immune response and decrease inflammation. We recommend choosing plain Greek yogurt with live, active cultures, and adding fresh fruit and natural sweeteners like honey. 

Tree Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Brazil Nuts)

Tree nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts and walnuts can be a great addition to your daily diet, and are full of vitamin E, which is harder to get compared to some other common vitamins. They’re also packed with healthy fats and nutrients like selenium, which is an antioxidant that affects your immune response.

Water

Maybe this doesn’t count as a food, but it’s essential for your immune system and for a healthy mouth, so we’ve included it anyway. Dehydration stresses every part of your body, including your immune system, and it also negatively affects your oral health.

When you’re dehydrated, you do not produce as much saliva, and your saliva flow will thicken. This means your saliva won’t be able to rinse away bacteria and food particles effectively. So to keep your body and your mouth healthy, make sure you drink enough water!

Keep Your Smile And Body Healthy With These Foods

When it comes to protecting your teeth and immune system, these foods are sure to help. So think about how you can add them to your diet, and improve your overall health. Got questions? Need a dental checkup to ensure your smile is healthy? Contact White Dental Spa online, or give us a call at (214) 484-1064 to schedule an appointment with Dr. E-Jan Tung or Dr. Quinn Liu.