Have you ever wondered about the oral health benefits of vegetables? Vegetables contain an array of vitamins and minerals that help the body prevent mouth diseases such as gingivitis. Some vegetables also help with plaque removal and enable us to maintain a diet that’s free of foods like sugar and meat that are known to impact our teeth and gums negatively.
We’ve explored the above-mentioned oral health benefits of vegetables in more detail below. Check it out!
Vegetables Help to Clean Plaque
If you’ve ever been for a dental checkup, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘plaque’. It refers to a film of bacteria that forms on our teeth and produces acids that destroy our enamel whenever we eat or drink something.
Fortunately, some vegetables contain natural fibers that scrape plaque off our teeth while we’re chewing them. This includes celery and carrots, according to the University of Illinois Chicago dentistry department.
Vegetable Consumption Prevents Us From Eating Other Foods That Damage Our Oral Health
Another great oral health benefit of vegetables pertains to our overall diet. The more vegetables you eat, the fewer things you’re likely to consume from other food groups, such as simple carbohydrates. This is fantastic for your oral and overall health because your mouth won’t be exposed to sugar, and your body will get the nutrition it needs while keeping you satiated.
Here’s a summary of foods you can replace with vegetables and the oral health benefits that are likely to result:
- Replace sugary juices with vegetable juices (prevents enamel from dissolving)
- Replace excessive meat-based protein with plant protein such as peas (prevents strands of meat from getting trapped in your teeth and creating bacteria that cause gum diseases)
The Consumption of Foods Rich in Vitamin B12 Helps Kids Grow Form Healthy Teeth and Gums
According to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, vitamin B12 deficiencies contribute to decayed, missing, and/or instances of filled permanent teeth in children. In other words, kids who eat Vitamin B12-rich vegetables like shitake mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes have a solid shot at forming healthy teeth and gums.
It’s important to note that eating these vegetables doesn’t guarantee oral health. If you want to know what food groups to feed your child for optimal oral health, we recommend consulting a pediatric dentist.
Understanding the oral health benefits of vegetables will help you maintain your gums and teeth naturally. But what if you want a professional dental checkup to be sure of your oral health? If that’s the case, it’s time to see our team at Park Avenue Dental.
We provide everything from cosmetic to restorative and pediatric dentistry in Gainesville so you can put on your best smile every day. We also publish a wealth of information on our website to help you learn more about oral health including blog posts, frequently asked questions, and much more.
Drop us a message onlineto arrange an appointment with some of the best dentists in Gainesville!
