If you’re looking to keep your smile healthy and also boost your immune system, you may be wondering what foods to incorporate into your diet. At Smillie Dental, we want you to understand a few foods that may boost your immune system, and are also packed full of nutrients that are good for your teeth!
Red Bell Peppers
When you think of foods that boost your immune system, you probably think of citrus fruits, which are packed full of vitamin C. While citrus fruits are healthy in moderation, they are not exactly great for your teeth.
This is because citrus fruits are full of citric acid, which can contribute to tooth enamel erosion and cavities. So what should you do if you want more vitamin C, but don’t want to put your teeth at risk?
Turn to red bell peppers. These delicious fruits (yes, they are technically fruits!) actually have more than twice as much vitamin C, compared to most citrus fruits. They also have a lot of beta carotene, are high in fiber, and are very low in calories. Slice them up and fry them in whatever dish you like, or dip red bell pepper strips in hummus for a healthy, delicious snack!
Broccoli
Broccoli and other green fibrous, leafy vegetables are fantastic for your body and for your mouth. Broccoli is full of vitamins C, A and E, and plenty of antioxidants. These vitamins and compounds can help boost your immune system and keep your body healthy.
In addition, it’s very high in fiber. This is great for your teeth! Fibrous vegetables require a lot of chewing, and act as “natural toothbrushes” for your mouth, helping to remove other food particles.
Yogurt
If you want a healthy snack that’s great for your teeth and also promotes immunity and proper digestion and gut health, yogurt is the best choice! In particular, we recommend Greek yogurt that’s low in fat, and has “live and active cultures.” This means that the yogurt is still “active,” and is full of cultures that can help keep your gut healthy.
Yogurt, like all dairy products, is full of calcium, which is absolutely essential for healthy bones and healthy teeth. It’s also often fortified with vitamin D, which helps promote proper immune system regulation and is thought to help boost the body’s resistance to disease.
It’s best to choose yogurt that’s plain, and add fruit and natural sweeteners like honey yourself. Products that are already sweetened and have fruit added are often much more sugary, and are not as good for your teeth, your body, or your immune system.
Almonds
Almonds are a great way to boost your immune system. Like most tree nuts, almonds are full of vitamins like vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin is essential to fighting off colds and common viruses. A high level of vitamin E consumption has also been linked with a lower risk of gum disease.
However, when eating hard foods like almonds, be careful! Make sure you chew with your rear molars, which are meant to chew these kinds of tough foods. Chewing or biting into an almond with your front teeth could lead to chipping or premature wear & tear.
Eat These Foods To Strengthen Your Teeth And Boost Your Immune System
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and boost your immune system, the above 4 foods are great choices. So start thinking about how you can incorporate them into your diet today. Have more questions about a tooth-friendly diet? Want to make sure your smile is in great shape? Dr. Joseph Smillie is here to help. Schedule a consultation at Smillie Dental in Port Orange by giving us a call at (386) 317-4754.
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