Adhering to a rigorous oral healthcare routine and visiting your dentist regularly are the best courses of action when it comes to maintaining your oral health. 

However, something we should all consider are the foods we choose to eat and the effects they have on our bodies. Maintaining a healthy diet is paramount to achieving not only great oral health, but also overall wellness as well. Without a healthy diet, we cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Below we have compiled a list of 3 healthy recipes to try that can help to boost your oral health. 

Avocado Yogurt Dip

Greek yogurt rich in calcium, and smooth avocado packed with vitamin C, provide you with a tooth-friendly dip that you can serve as an alternative to traditional dips.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Carrot sticks, celery sticks and bell pepper strips

Directions:

Mix the yogurt, avocados, garlic, cilantro, lime juice and cumin in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer dip to a serving dish, and enjoy with sliced veggies.

Black Bean and Salsa Soup

This soup provides a healthy hearty alternative that can keep you full for hours on end. It is quick to prepare and packed with protein, vitamin C and iron for a healthy mouth and body.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans (15 ounces each)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 green onion
• Sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Thinly slice the green onions, and set aside. Drain and rinse the black beans. Pour half into a blender or food processor and set the other half aside. Blend with the broth, salsa and cumin. Pour blended mixture and unblended beans into a saucepan, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Serve with sour cream and sliced green onions as toppings.

Lentil and Cashew Roast

This roast is made of predominantly nuts and lentils providing a healthy serving of calcium, vitamin C and phosphorus. Great for teeth, gums and stomach health, this recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green chili pepper
• 6 medium carrots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
• 2 cups lentils (brown or green)
• 3 cups shredded cheese
• 5 ounces cashews
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

Soak, cook and drain the lentils. Chop the onion, mince the garlic and shred the carrots. Dice the celery, bell pepper and chili pepper. Grate the cheese, and coarsely chop the cashews.

Cook the onion and celery in an oiled skillet, stirring until celery is soft. Add carrots, garlic, bell pepper, chili pepper, cumin, salt and peppercorns and cook for two minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, mix lentils, grated cheese and cashews. Put in the cooked vegetables, add eggs and mix well. Pour into a greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees until the loaf is firm (about an hour).