7 Spring Foods That Support Healthy Vision and Strong Teeth

The sun is shining, new plant growth is emerging, and like a groundhog waking from hibernation, you probably can’t wait to throw open the door and get outside.

Staying healthy is key to enjoying all spring has to offer, which includes ensuring your teeth and eyes are in the best possible shape to relish the tastes and sights of the season.

After a winter of snacking and watching movies, adding more fruits and vegetables can give both your oral and vision health a boost.

Pairing a nutrient-rich diet with regular care can help you feel your best all season long. Access to affordable dental and vision coverage through Altus Dental is available exclusively to AAA members living in Massachusetts.

Foods for Oral and Vision Health

Crunchy Vegetables Support a Healthy Smile

There is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of biting a bell pepper, carrot, snap pea or piece of celery. Besides being packed with essential vitamins A and C, these vegetables act as natural toothbrushes and stimulate saliva production. Saliva keeps teeth surfaces clean and helps reduce plaque buildup between meals.

Leafy Greens Protect Long-Term Vision

Have another helping of salad! Leafy greens help preserve your vision over time, as noted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Kale and spinach are especially rich with lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that fortify the macula, the part of the eye that provides central vision and help prevent age-related macular degeneration. They also aid in maintaining retina health and sharp vision.

Citrus Fruits Strengthen Gums and Eye Tissue

Eating citrus fruits will keep both your eyes and mouth happy. Vitamin C helps gum tissue stay healthy, protects eye structures and aids in the production of collagen, an important fibrous protein in connective tissue, according to Harvard School of Public Health.  

Dental and Vision Insurance Exclusively for AAA Northeast Members in Massachusetts

Enroll Now

Dairy and Calcium-Rich Foods Reinforce Enamel

Eating dairy products and other foods rich in calcium is critical to maintaining healthy teeth. Calcium reinforces tooth enamel and the jawbone and helps teeth remain stable, according to Penn Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  Vitamin D, which is found in some dairy products, aids in calcium absorption.

Omega-3 Foods Support Tear Production

Fish often is called brain food, but in fact certain types of fish are good for your eyes, according to the National Eye Institute. Salmon, tuna and halibut are swimming in omega-3 fatty acids, which help manage tear film by decreasing inflammation and boosting the eye’s oil layer quality. They also can reduce eye strain when reading screens.

Strawberries and Apples Naturally Whiten Teeth

Not only do strawberries and apples taste great, they also do wonders for your smile. They are natural mouth cleansers, as reported by the University General Dentists. Their natural fiber promotes a clean mouth and the malic acid in those fruits and others can clear up surface stains on teeth.

Whole-Food Diets Reduce Chronic Disease Risks

Healthy eating habits, including following anti-inflammatory diets, reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes and heart disease, which could affect oral and vision health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Mediterranean diet and similar healthy eating plans, emphasize eating less high-fat, high-sugar and highly processed foods and opting for more colorful vegetables, olive oil and whole grains to help with inflammation.

Visit your local farmers market and let the fresh seasonal produce inspire your next meal — your eyes, teeth and overall health will reap the benefits.

A seasonal reset doesn’t stop at your plate. With access to affordable dental and vision coverage through Altus Dental, AAA members in Massachusetts can support their health with confidence, whether it’s a routine cleaning or an annual eye exam. Learn more.

Ellen R. Delisio

Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.