30 Aug Dairy-Free, Calcium-Rich Foods for Healthy Teeth
We often see milk, cheese, and yogurt promoted for healthy teeth. However, some of us can’t stomach dairy products. If you have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to dairy then finding suggestions for calcium-rich foods can be difficult. But don’t worry—there are plenty of non-dairy calcium-rich foods that are good for your teeth.
Or, if you’re newly vegan and you relied on dairy products for calcium in the past, you’ll be looking for substitutes. Believe it or not, there are a wide variety of calcium-rich foods you can eat to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Check out our list below!
Non-Dairy, Calcium-Rich Foods
Did you know that you can get calcium from fruits and veggies, seeds and nuts, and even grains like quinoa and brown rice? You have a lot of options here, so we’ve broken them down into a few categories.
Fruits
These berries and fruits contain fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral most people are familiar with because of its helpfulness to our dental health. Although they are all wonderful, healthy options, fruits should be eaten in moderation. The acids in grapes, for example, won’t be the best for your teeth if you snack on a lot of them and forget to rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Tooth-friendly fruits include:
- Grapes
- Figs
- Avocados
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
Veggies
Here’s a no-brainer health tip: eat more veggies! We hear it all the time, right? It’s easy to say and not so easy to do. Crunchy, raw vegetables are really good for your teeth because they’re rich in vitamins and minerals and they also help keep your teeth clean.
To make raw veggies more fun, serve them with dip! First, set the scene for yourself. Make your plate and table pretty—arrange items with purpose, and lay out an array of colorful sliced vegetables. Then, dip them in your favorite sauce, like a non-dairy yogurt seasoned with fresh dill, parsley, and lime zest. Hummus is a classic choice, of course, but might want to branch out and try a sweet potato dip or some baba ganoush.
Did you know it’s not only important to eat the right foods for your dental health, but to eat them at the right times? It’s always a good idea to enjoy some raw veggies after eating foods that stick in your teeth. Munching on firm foods with a high water content makes you salivate, which washes food particles off of your teeth. They also have a mild scrubbing action, much like a toothbrush. So go ahead, grab a knife, and get chopping!
Some of the best veggies for healthy teeth include:
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
Grains/Beans/Seeds
Note: Eating processed grains will not help your dental health. We’re certainly not suggesting white bread or baked goods as options will be good for your teeth. However, many whole grains, beans, and seeds are beneficial for your dental health, because they provide vitamin B, iron, and magnesium. Tofu is at the top of our list because it’s a fabulous source of calcium!
Calcium-rich beans, seeds, and grains include:
- Tofu or edamame (soybeans)
- Quinoa
- Sesame seeds
- Tahini
- Cannellini beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Chia seeds
- Barley
- Brown Rice
Nuts
Do you like snacking on almonds? Perfect! Keep it up! Almonds are fantastic for your teeth because they’re packed with calcium and phosphorus, and you can use them in a variety of ways besides eating raw or roasted! If you want to enjoy almonds without all the crunching, try almond butter in smoothies or spread on toast, sprinkle almond meal over yogurt, or use almond flour to make biscuits.
Calcium rich nuts include:
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Pistachios
- Chestnuts
- Pecans
- Hickory Nuts
- Peanuts
We Can Help You Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Not only is it important to eat well, we all must maintain our oral health with preventative care and regular visits to the dentist. Only a professional cleaning can remove tartar buildup—veggies alone aren’t going to cut it. Also, exams can expose any dental conditions that need attention.
At Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti Dental Associates, we want to help you have a healthy smile for years to come. Besides dental cleanings, we offer teeth whitening treatments, fillings, bondings, veneers, and more. We can also replace missing teeth with high quality bridges or dentures. Request an appointment at our Sun Lakes office today!
Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash on 7.31.2024 | used under the creative commons license | photo was edited by cropping off part of the top