Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
The winter months are for staying indoors and cozying up by the fireplace with heavier meals and lots of warm, delicious comfort food. But with the holidays — and probably a few unhealthy overindulgences — now behind us, it’s time to prioritize nourishing our bodies with healthy foods. Let’s take a look today with our family dentist in Santa Cruz at some of the best winter foods for your dental and overall health.
Bone broth
Warm up with this soothing broth that is beneficial for your gut and dental health. It’s rich in collagen, which helps maintain strong, healthy gums and supplies essential minerals like calcium and magnesium for bone and tooth health. Enjoy sipping bone broth to enhance both your immune system and oral health.
Whole grains
Oats, brown rice and quinoa support your overall health because they’re chocked full of fiber and B vitamins. These whole grains are less likely to get stuck between the teeth compared to refined grains, reducing the chances of plaque buildup. Whole grains also provide steady energy throughout the day, helping you avoid sugary snacks that are bad for your teeth.
Healthy root vegetables
Crunchy root veggies like carrots and beets help remove plaque from teeth, and they are high in beta-carotene, which, once converted into vitamin A, helps keep your gums healthy. Sweet potatoes are another great option, providing beta-carotene along with a sweet, satisfying flavor.
Leafy greens
Seasonal leafy greens like kale, spinach and collard greens are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including calcium — which builds strong teeth and bones — and folic acid, which supports gum health. Leafy greens also help increase saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and harmful bacteria from the mouth. Add them to soups, salads or casseroles for an added nutritional boost!
Cruciferous vegetables
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are nutrient-dense seasonal vegetables with a high fiber content that helps clean teeth as you eat, reducing plaque buildup
Apples, pears and citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are packed with Vitamin C, which is essential for gum health; it strengthens the blood vessels that support the gums and prevents inflammation. The high water content and fibrous texture of apples and pears aid in saliva production, helping wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. Apples, in particular, are great for cleaning teeth and freshening breath and contain antioxidants and Vitamin C.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains calcium, which is known to strengthen teeth and bones. It also contains probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and gut. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars that can harm your teeth.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts, as well as seeds like chia and pumpkin, are rich in healthy fats, protein and minerals like calcium and magnesium, all of which are essential for maintaining strong teeth. Their crunchiness also helps naturally clean your teeth by dislodging food particles and even naturally massaging your gums!
Additional winter nutrition tips
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water supports saliva production, which is important for cleaning your teeth and neutralizing acids in your mouth.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially those that can cling to your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Maintain your daily oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.
- Don’t forget to schedule and/or keep your six-month checkup and cleaning at our Scotts Valley dental practice.
General dentistry in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Los Gatos, California
We know winter is a time for hibernating and staying warm and comfortable. A lot of times that translates into indulging in sweets, snacking and heavier meals in the form of comfort foods. Keep in mind that when winter is over and spring and summer are upon us, you’ll be wishing then that you had made healthy choices today. If you’re due for a routine check-up or have any questions about your oral health, we’re here to help! Contact Ebrahminian Integrative Dentistry today by calling (831) 824-5111 or reaching out to us online.
