Eat Your Veggies: Green Foods That Are Good for Your Smile

When we think about foods that promote dental health, the usual suspects, like dairy and crunchy fruits, often take center stage. But there’s a category that deserves more attention: green foods. From leafy greens to crisp veggies, these nutrient-rich powerhouses do more than just boost your overall health – they can also strengthen your teeth, freshen your breath, and support a healthy mouth. Read on as we dive into the world of green foods that are not only good for your body, but great for your smile, too.

Green Apples

Although this variation of an apple is a fruit, it applies in terms of color. Can an apple a day also keep the dentist away? Maybe so! Crunchy, fibrous foods like apples help stimulate saliva flow. Saliva not only washes away lingering bacteria and food particles; it helps decrease the levels of acidity in the mouth. Acid is harmful to tooth enamel and can create oral health complications.

Leafy Greens

All the salad foundations are here: kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce are all beneficial to your teeth. Collard greens fall into this category, too! These veggies are all packed with calcium, Vitamin K, and fiber. All these nutrients contribute to strong teeth and gums, while the fiber helps remove plaque and food debris.

Broccoli

Probably not your favorite as a kid, but now as an adult, you have to work at your health, and broccoli can hopefully be integrated into your diet. It’s a great source of calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. It also contains Vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gums.

Celery

You could call celery “fiber sticks” as rich in the nutrient as they are! Foods high in fiber are beneficial to oral health as they stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and remove food debris that cause tooth decay.

Green Tea

Not only is it a delicious treat, but green tea also contains polyphenols, or micro-nutrients found in plant-based foods. Coupled with other antioxidants it contains, these nutrients reduce bacteria and toxins in the mouth that can pose harm.

Asparagus

Did you know that you can get over half your daily recommended dose of Vitamin K from just one half cup of cooked asparagus? Vitamin K is beneficial for dental health in that it helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth, a mineral that is vital to maintaining their strength. 

Avocado

This tasty fruit does your smile a world of good. Not only does the potassium in avocado strengthen teeth and bones, but it also supports healthy gums, protects enamel, fights bacteria, and may even prevent dry mouth!

Load up on these green foods the next time you visit the supermarket. A diet rich in these foods is one of the best steps you can take in preventive care for your teeth!

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry is a native of Houston and a graduate of the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. For his service in the Navy and Marines, during which he maintained the dental health of over 3,200 soldiers, Dr. Castleberry was awarded numerous honors by both branches of the military. He is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association. To schedule your appointment, call The Castleberry Center at our Houston office at (281) 971-3440 or visit our website.