We’ve mentioned in past blogs how important diet is for your oral health. Your teeth and gums are the first to come into contact with the foods and beverages that you consume, so it’s no surprise that your diet will have a significant impact on your oral health. A diet high in sugar and starchy carbs won’t only make you more susceptible to weight gain, but it can also make you susceptible to dental cavities and gum disease.
Without the proper treatment, these issues can continue to progress and ultimately lead to tooth loss. As many of our dental implant patients know, tooth loss affects the health of your remaining teeth, self-confidence, and the overall aesthetics of your smile. We find that sticking to nutrient-dense, wholesome foods can aid with your overall wellness and oral health. Instead of indulging in candy and other sweets this summer, try fulfilling your sweet tooth with fruit! Of course, you should enjoy summer berries in moderation, but choosing sweet fruit instead of candy can help you in a variety of ways. To explain more on this topic, dental implant provider, Dr. Andrew Mortensen shares the benefits of snacking on berries this summer in Fountain Valley, CA.
Top Three Berries for Oral Health
Looking to enjoy a sweet treat this summer? Look no further than the produce department at your local grocery store! Instead of treating yourself with sugar-filled treats that can spur on tooth decay and gum inflammation, opt for berries. There are several berries that can actually help promote good oral health in a variety of ways. The best berries for your oral health include:
Strawberries: This fruit is beneficial for your oral health in a number of ways. One of the best ways strawberries help oral health is through the vitamin C they provide. Vitamin C is essential for oral health because it promotes healthy gums. Insufficient vitamin C will lead to bleeding gums, which can then lead to gingivitis if it’s left untreated.
Blueberries: We’ve discussed the oral health benefits of blueberries in a past blog about how scientists plan on using blueberry extract to prevent gum disease. Aside from this, blueberries can help oral health because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Cranberries: This berry is helpful in the same way that blueberries are. Cranberries can inhibit bacteria from stick to the teeth, which essentially stops dental cavities from forming.
Beware of Tooth Stains
This low-calorie snack is chock-full of fiber and other nutrients that can help aid your oral health as well as overall wellness. Although there are plenty of benefits to choosing to snack on these sweet fruits, there is one major downfall. Tooth stains can often occur due to the dark pigment of select berries. The rule of thumb is to remember that if it can stain your clothes, it can also stain your teeth.
Blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries are all known to stain your teeth due to their dark pigment. We still recommend choosing these berries as opposed to sweet candy that can cause dental cavities, but it’s important to be aware of the potential teeth-staining effects of berries. If you plan to enjoy these sweet berries, follow these tips:
- Don’t snack over a long period of time: Eating berries overtime exposes your teeth to the pigment more, which increases the likelihood of tooth stains.
- Rinse with water: Washing your mouth out with water can help rinse out the food particles and dark pigments that can stain your teeth.
Contact our Office in Fountain Valley
Berries can be a wonderful addition to your diet this summer. They are tasty and offer a range of oral health benefits. While berries can be a great way to boost your oral health, you’ll need the help of a dental professional if you’re dealing with severe dental health problems. In the case of tooth loss, we recommend looking into dental implants to restore your smile. Dental implants can give you a natural-looking smile that functions and feels just like your natural teeth. To find out more about dental implants, browse around this educational info site. You can get started on your dental implant treatment today by contacting our office to schedule your no-obligation consultation with Dr. Mortensen.