When it comes to your oral health, you need to be eating the right things every day. You can’t just brush your teeth and floss to keep your teeth healthy if you are not eating well at the same time. Taking care of your oral health means being sure that you also eat the right diet.
In Hawaii, you have access to many fresh and delicious foods. You can eat well and still take good care of your teeth when you live in the Honolulu area, as long as you know what foods to eat. This guide will allow you to enjoy the foods that you love while also making sure that your teeth are in great shape.
Common Hawaiian Foods to Eat to Care For Your Oral Health
Experienced dentists in Honolulu will tell you that these are the Hawaiian foods that you need to eat on a regular basis to care for your health and well-being. Lots of traditional Hawaiian dishes have a lot of sugar in them, so you will need to be sure that you are not eating too many of these foods on a routine basis, even if they are some of your favorite foods.
1. Dairy Products
Dairy is healthy for your whole body. It offers you access to calcium and phosphates that allow your teeth to rebuild structurally. Calcium and phosphates also remineralize enamel, which protects your teeth from cavities. Dairy products also offer up vitamin D, which is important for a host of different processes in your body. Dairy products are delicious, so it is no hardship to enjoy these kinds of foods to take care of your oral health.
2. Fatty Fish
Hawaii is known for its delicious fish, which are served fresh right after being caught. Fish like Hawaiian Kanpachi, Tuna, and Ono are all good options when it comes to getting the necessary fat in your diet. Fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids are important for gum health. Without healthy gums, you cannot have healthy teeth. Beyond being good for you, these Hawaiian fish are very delicious and can make any meal special.
3. Pineapple and Papaya
Two of the most well-known and popular fruits that you can enjoy in Hawaii are pineapple and papaya. These fruits have enzymes in them that will break down stain-causing proteins that can collect on your teeth. This helps make your teeth whiter in a way that is safe and healthy for the rest of your body.
4. Leafy Greens
Taro leaves and other greens in the same category will provide folate, calcium, and other vitamins that are important for oral health. Even if you don’t love eating your vegetables, there are lots of ways to prepare your greens in the traditional way, making them enjoyable to add to any meal.
In addition to these local Hawaiian favorites, you should also remember other foods that are important for oral health and well-being. Nuts and seeds are another good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound that fights bacteria in the mouth. Drinking water with fluoride in it will help prevent cavities as well. Apples, carrots, and celery are crunchy enough to help clean teeth and freshen breath.
Always be sure that you avoid foods that are high in sugar, which are often at the root of tooth decay and gum health issues. Be sure that you don’t drink sugary drinks, either. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.
What Else Can You Do to Protect Your Oral Health?
Always be sure that you are seeing your dentist at least once a year for a complete cleaning and an exam. Your dentist will take X-rays periodically and look at the health of your teeth to check for signs of new decay or problems with existing fillings and dental health solutions.
Staying on top of your oral health also means avoiding whitening products that might harm your tooth enamel. You should be sure that you are not using hard-bristle toothbrushes. Also, be sure that you are not brushing too hard. You can cause damage to your gums by brushing too roughly, which can be hard to reverse.
If you are not sure how to brush your teeth, you need to be sure that you ask your oral healthcare team to demonstrate proper brushing methods. If you think that you might be pushing too hard even after being shown how to brush correctly, you can get an electric toothbrush, which helps control the way that you handle brushing. In many cases, electric toothbrushes are the preferred brushing method recommended by most dentists. You will be upgrading your oral care on a daily basis by investing in one.
Caring For Your Teeth in Hawaii Can be Easier Than you Might Think
When it comes to taking care of your oral health, there are various factors that are essential to getting good results from your oral care efforts. You will want to be sure that you are eating the right diet above all else. Avoid sugary foods and be sure that you are eating enough fats and getting all your vitamins each day. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush as well to improve your oral health.
Your dentist can give you tips and tricks that will help you keep your teeth in tip-top shape for years to come. Make sure that you are seeing your dentist at least once a year for a thorough cleaning and an exam. Your oral healthcare team will make sure that your teeth are in great shape and that you are meeting all your oral health goals each year. It is critical to see a dental team that you trust and that has the experience to verify your teeth are in good shape on a routine basis. Combined with a proper diet, getting quality dental care will make sure that your teeth stay healthy for your whole life.