The naturally occurring mineral fluoride is renowned for its ability to strengthen teeth and prevent dental cavities. Because of this, it is a common ingredient in toothpaste and is added to municipal water supplies in many countries. Fluoride can also be found in many common foods in kitchens and grocery stores. Here’s a list of a few foods that are high in this dentally defensive mineral.
Grapes and Other Fruits Are Loaded with Fluoride
Many fruits are naturally high in fluoride. Grapes are an excellent source of this mineral, and they are incredibly versatile as well. They can be eaten fresh, dried into raisins, or made into wine or grape juice. Raisins have one of the highest fluoride concentrations of any food, but they are also sticky and high in sugar, so take care to clean your teeth afterward. It’s also important to limit your intake of wine or juice due to their high sugar content and ability to stain your teeth.
A wide variety of other fruits also contain fluoride. A few examples include apples, strawberries, peaches, bananas, cherries, and watermelon. It’s important to have a wide variety of fruits in your diet and to eat them fresh if possible, as this will maximize the benefits of the minerals and other nutrients they contain.
Vegetables Are Rich in This Tooth-Defending Mineral
Veggies also provide an excellent source of natural fluoride. Spinach, which also contains iron and fiber, and potatoes, known for their potassium content, contain the most fluoride out of all the vegetables out there. Spinach is great in pizza, pasta, sandwiches, or a salad. Potatoes are an incredibly handy ingredient because they can be cut, peeled, and cooked in so many different ways to suit so many different dishes and tastes.
Seafood Is a Treasure Trove of Fluoride
There are many delicious seafood delicacies across the world, and the good news is that a lot of them are rich in this teeth-protecting mineral. Shrimp, oysters, crab, and the like can be used in pasta, as appetizers, or on their own to make delicious meals that can give you an ample boost in your fluoride intake.
Different people need different amounts of fluoride, so talking to your dentist can help you understand how much is right for you. Knowing where to find it in foods at the supermarket can help you eat to keep your teeth healthy and happy for years to come.
About the Practice
21st Century Dental of Irving provides excellent dental treatments to the community of Irving, TX. Led by Drs. Kent Smith, Jeff Roy, Ashley Bristow, and Allison Veytsman, the staff delivers results that exceed patients’ expectations. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on getting enough fluoride, contact the office online or dial (972) 255-3712.