5 Vegetables to Plant for Healthy Teeth
Springtime is a time when gardeners break out their shovels and plant a variety of plants. Many gardeners find joy in growing a vegetable garden. It’s the best way to save money on groceries, get outdoors and exercise, and improve your health. Consuming homegrown fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy.
Among the cornucopia of possibilities to plant in the garden, fresh vegetables stand out as some of the best options for harvesting healthy food to nourish your family. In this blog post, we’re sharing seven veggies you can plant in your garden to keep your teeth, bones, and gums healthy.
Vegetables grow with vital nutrients that encourage optimal oral health. They contain minerals and vitamins that strengthen bones and teeth. Because veggies are rich in fiber, they stimulate saliva flow. This increase in saliva can neutralize cavity-causing acids and help to wash away bacteria before they hide and spread in crevices in your mouth.
If you’re planning on tending a kitchen garden this year, consider the following seeds or plants for a healthy smile. Happy gardening!
1. Spinach
Since spinach is high in calcium, it promotes oral health by building up teeth enamel. It is also an excellent source of folic acid, which is a type of vitamin B that has varied health benefits, including possibly treating gum problems. Spinach needs approximately six weeks of cooler temperatures, so we recommend planting it before the last spring frost.
2. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious, they are also rich in fiber and contain vitamin A, which helps to keep mucous membranes healthy and encourages speedy recovery from oral problems like cuts. Just like broccoli, sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, which encourages healthy gums. When tending to sweet potatoes in your garden, be careful not to overwater them. Sweet potatoes mature in 90 to 1700 days and are extremely frost-sensitive. Plant in full sun about three to four weeks after the last frost when the soil has warmed up.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli helps strengthen gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. It also defends against gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Broccoli also provides a substantial amount of calcium that helps to fortify teeth and bones. Not only does this nutritious vegetable fight bacteria, but it also contains vitamin C and vitamin E, which aid in the body’s healing process. The high amounts of iron in broccoli also form a barrier around your teeth to protect your enamel.
4. Carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which plays a critical role in the formation of healthy tooth enamel. They are also excellent sources of fiber and make a perfect crisp snack. Snacking on carrots after a meal can help wash away food remnants and help to prevent cavities. could take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to mature. Plant them in the spring and summer for a continuous harvest through fall. Home-grown carrots are full of flavor and texture. Carrots grow well on sandy soil during the cooler periods of the growing season. Homegrown carrots may not be perfectly straight like store-bought carrots, but they will still taste better, whatever their shape is!
5. Kale
Leafy greens like kale are high in fiber and low in calories. Kale’s fiber content helps scrub away food debris and plaque while you eat them. Kale also contains calcium and B vitamins. Calcium strengthens your teeth and B vitamins help to prevent gingivitis.
Instead of putting lettuce on your sandwich today, swap it out for some shredded kale or spinach. Better yet, make kale wraps with carrots for one of the best natural teeth cleaners.
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Andrew Kim, DDS is an Escondido dentist providing advanced dental treatment to the Escondido communities and the Northern San Diego area. We make your comfort and oral health our top priority. Book your appointment today!