Foods That Are Good For Teeth and Gums (And Where You Can Find Them in Gainesville)

When it comes to oral health, prevention is the name of the game. Cultivating good dental habits can go a long way to healthy teeth and gums. Good habits such as using proper techniques when brushing and flossing daily help remove plaque and bacteria from our oral cavity and limit the effect of stains on our teeth. Another vital factor is our diet. After all, the mouth is the start of the digestive tract and the foods we eat can either benefit or hurt our dental health. Here’s our list of 31 foods that are actually great for dental health, as well as a list of where you can find them in Gainesville.

Eat More of These Foods for Good Oral Health

Almonds Low in sugar and a good source of protein, Colgate lists nuts as one type of food that is good for your teeth and gums. Thanks to their high calcium content, almonds can help strengthen your teeth. Apples On Live Science, Catherine Winters recommends crunchy food for healthy teeth. When you eat apples, the crunching can help remove any plaque and bacteria on your teeth, thus providing a “cleaning” effect. Brazil Nuts Another nut that is good for oral health is Brazil nuts, says Nano-b. They’re a good source of phosphorus which is beneficial for teeth and gums. Broccoli A source of vitamin C and calcium, this green vegetable is great for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Moreover, broccoli can help keep your smile bright due to its iron content that forms a protective coating on tooth enamel. On Lifehack.org, dental hygienist Carrie Ibbetson says you can eat broccoli raw or steamed and suggests eating the florets to gain the most dental health benefits.

Where You Can Buy These Foods in Gainesville

While most of these foods can be easily found in supermarkets, you can support the local community by buying from these farmers markets in Gainesville.

Alachua County Farmers Market

Wake up early on a Saturday and visit the Alachua County Farmers Market. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this is the only Grower’s Only Market in Northeast Florida. Enjoy a leisurely morning shopping for fresh produce from local farmers. Bring your own shopping bags and small bills for payment. The market is located at 5920 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, and it is open year-round. There is also a satellite market located at Butler Plaza which is open during spring and fall. The Butler Plaza Satellite Market is open on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to dusk.

Union Street Farmers Market

If you’re looking for some fresh produce during the middle of the week, the Union Street Farmers Market is the place to go. Happening on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., this market is open year-round and features local produce. Union Street Farmers Market can be found at 111 E. University Ave., Bo Diddley Community Center, Gainesville.

Haile Farmers Market

Another market that is open on Saturdays is the Haile Farmers Market. Since 1998, this independent farmers market, which is run by local farmers, has offered a wide range of fresh produce and household staples. A trip to the Haile Farmers Market will be sure to replenish your pantry. The market is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is located at 5213 Southwest 91 Terrace, Gainesville.

Tioga Monday Market

As its name suggests, the Tioga Monday Market occurs on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Start off your week by browsing fresh, seasonal produce, grass fed meats, milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables and other foods. The market is open year-round and is located at Tioga Town Center, 13005 W Newberry Road, Newberry. Opening times vary during winter. Check their Facebook page for any updates.

Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program WIC Clinic Market

Residents in east Gainesville can enjoy a seasonal farmers market right in their neighborhood thanks to a partnership between Alachua County Health Department, the WIC program and local farmers. The market is operational from April to October and is located in the main parking lot of the Health Department at 224 SE 24th Street. Keep a lookout for details for the next market season in 2018. Images by: Marcelo Matarazzo, mali meader, freestocks.org, Pixabay, Eric Scheel