Fortify Your Body With Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth (And Immune System)

Wondering how you can improve your immune system and your oral health? In this blog from Vivid Smiles, we’ll take a look at a few types of food that are good for both your mouth and your immune system. Read on, and learn with us.

1. Green, Fibrous Vegetables 

Green, fibrous, leafy vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, asparagus and other such veggies are all very high in vitamins A, E and C, which are essential for a healthy mouth and immune system.

Since they’re fibrous, they also function as natural “toothbrushes.” While chewing them, you’ll rub away other food particles from your teeth, which helps keep your teeth clean, and ensures a healthy smile.

2. Fruits That Are High In Vitamin C

Any food that’s high in vitamin C is a great choice for your immune health. Vitamin C is good for your overall immunity, and it also contributes to gum health, reducing your risk of gum disease.

Citrus like limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruit are a great way to get vitamin C into your system, but they do contain a lot of citric acid. Citric acid weakens your teeth slightly, so rinse with water after eating citrus, and don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating citrus.

Want an alternative? Red bell peppers have more vitamin C than many types of citrus, and do not contain any acid, making them a great choice for boosting your immunity and protecting your oral health.

3. Dairy Products Like Greek Yogurt

Calcium is essential for healthy teeth, so yogurt and other dairy products are a great option for a healthy mouth, especially if they are fortified with vitamin D. 

Greek yogurt is a particularly good option if it’s made with natural probiotic cultures, which can help improve gut health and contribute to a healthy immune system. 

However, some types of yogurt are very high in sugar, particularly if they’re pre-mixed with fruit. To reduce your sugar intake, we recommend buying plain yogurt and flavoring it yourself with fresh fruit and honey. 

4. Tree Nuts, Such As Almonds & Brazil Nuts

Tree nuts like almonds are full of healthy fats and are also jam-packed with vitamin E. This vitamin, along with vitamin C, is essential for your immune health. Vitamin E has also been associated with a lower risk of gum disease. 

In addition, some nuts like Brazil nuts and walnuts have high levels of selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant, and could help contribute to better overall health and disease prevention. 

5. Water For Proper Hydration

Okay, so it’s not exactly a “food.” But proper hydration is very important for both your oral health and your immune system. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will help complement your body’s natural defense, and will help you avoid getting sick.

Proper hydration is also essential for a healthy mouth. If you’re dehydrated, your saliva flow will decrease, and your saliva will thicken. This means it won’t be able to rinse away food and bacteria as effectively, which can lead to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Hydrating throughout the day will prevent this, and keep your mouth healthy. 

A Healthy Diet Is Essential For A Strong Smile & Immune System

Introducing more of these foods into your diet could help strengthen your immune system and improve your oral health. So make sure you eat well, take care of your teeth properly, and see a dentist every six months for a checkup. If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning and oral exam in Terre Haute, IN, Vivid Smiles is here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (812) 803-2340 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri or Dr. Nilanchal Sahai.