You need strong, healthy teeth to enjoy your favorite meals without chewing challenges. However, the types of foods on your plate can end up impacting your oral health. As a result, you should choose meal ingredients wisely, or you could risk an unexpected trip to the dentist. Keep your smile bright with these three delicious foods.

What Foods Contribute to a Healthy Smile?

1. Cheese

Dairy products are loaded with calcium, which is essential for building strong bones, including teeth. Cheese is one of the best options to enjoy since it's also low in sugar. As a result, its calcium benefits aren’t overridden by cavity-causing elements. Snacking on cheese also provides a healthy dose of casein and phosphorus. Casein is an enamel-strengthening protein, and phosphorus increases the structural stability of both bone and enamel.

2. Apples

Apples are the ideal snack for people of all ages. With roughly 2,500 different types of apples grown in the U.S., it’s easy to find a flavor profile for everyone in the family. They also provide a natural sweetness that’s a perfect alternative to sugary desserts and candy.

Along with their incredible taste, the fruit is also packed with vitamin C, which can help you maintain healthy gums. The fibrous snack is also crunchy, allowing it to effectively scrub your teeth as you chew. 

3. Carrots

Carrots serve as the savory alternative to apples. The crunchy vegetable requires lots of chewing, which helps to clean away bacteria on the surface of teeth. The food is also loaded with gum-protecting vitamin C and bone-building calcium. Eat carrots raw for optimal smile benefits, but avoid pairing them with over-processed dips that may contain added sugars. Instead, reach for a healthy hummus.

Keep your smile happy and healthy with help from the dentists and hygienists at Pleasant Valley Cosmetic & Laser Dental in Weber County, UT. Residents across South Ogden and the Greater Salt Lake City area rely on these local dentists for dependable treatments. They offer everything from routine exams and dental implants to teeth whitening and Invisalign®. Learn more about their general and cosmetic dentistry options online, and call (801) 621-3383 to book your appointment today.