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Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth & Boost Your Immune System

Looking to boost your immunity and defend against common viruses like the flu and the cold? Wondering how you can also keep your teeth healthy? In this guide from Silicon Valley Dental Associates, we’ll discuss a few healthy foods that are good for both your teeth and immune system.

Broccoli & Other Fibrous Green Vegetables

If you want a food that’s great for your overall health and your dental health, look no further than broccoli and other fibrous green vegetables like kale, brussels sprouts, spinach, and asparagus.

All of these foods are very high in fiber, which is good for your teeth. Fibrous foods help clean your teeth as you eat them, and scrub away particles from other sugary or starchy foods.

And when it comes to boosting your immune system, these vegetables are also excellent. They’re full of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants that will help keep your body healthy.

Citrus Fruits

Despite high levels of citric acid, citrus fruits are not necessarily bad for your teeth in moderation, and they are excellent for your immune system. Fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are all packed with vitamin C, which is necessary for a healthy immune system.

Due to the acid present in citrus, though, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after eating them to keep your teeth strong. After eating citrus, you should also wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, since citric acid can soften your enamel. 

Red Bell Peppers

Want to boost your vitamin C intake without eating citrus fruits and worrying about acid? Red bell peppers actually have twice as much vitamin C as some citrus fruits, and they don’t contain any acid that could affect your smile.

In addition to vitamin C, red bell peppers are also high in beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, and is essential for a healthy body and immune system. 

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is packed with calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and strong teeth. Most yogurt products and dairy products on the market are also fortified with vitamin D, which is also an essential nutrient for the teeth and bones.

Beyond that, yogurt that is full of “active cultures” can also encourage proper gut health and digestion. The probiotics present in yogurt can help improve your immune response, and keep you healthy.

For the best results, get plain yogurt and add flavorings like berries and honey yourself! Commercially-packaged flavored yogurt is often much higher in sugar, so this is a good way to stay healthy.

Almonds & Other Tree Nuts

Tree nuts like almonds are very good for your immune system, since they’re full of vitamin E, which is thought to help boost the immune system. They’re also good for your teeth and gums, since vitamin E intake is associated with a lower risk of gum disease

Make sure you take care when eating nuts, though. Chew and bite them with your rear teeth instead of your front teeth to make sure you don’t damage them. 

Keep Your Teeth And Body Healthy With These Foods!

At Silicon Valley Dental Associates, Dr. Colin Au focuses on preventive dentistry. That includes proper nutrition, as well as good at-home oral hygiene and six-month visits to our office. So if you’re looking to keep your smile healthy and you’re overdue for an appointment, just contact us online or give us a call at (408) 245-5812 to schedule your next consultation at our office.

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