Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth

The University of Rochester Medical Center and University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry note you’re better off eating these foods when looking after your dental health:

Fibrous vegetables. Think eggplant, artichokes, carrots, cauliflower, spinach and broccoli — nearly anything in the vegetable family.
Fibrous fruits. Dine on pears, strawberries, apples, bananas, pineapple and avocados. WebMD has an excellent high-fiber grocery list for more options.
Dairy and dairy alternative products. Opt for yogurt, kefir, cheeses, milk, cottage cheese, tofu and fortified milk alternatives. (Dairy pulls double duty by adding calcium to your diet.)
Legumes. Nosh on edamame, chickpeas, peanuts, lentils and green peas.
Nuts and seeds. Scoop up almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios, walnuts, chia seeds and sesame seeds.
Fatty fish and lean meat. Dig into salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring or protein-packed beef, chicken, veal and pork.

Naturally, drink your water — including fluoridated water — for fewer cavities and better overall health. Appropriate fluoride in water strengthens your tooth enamel to help prevent decay. Unsweetened green and black teas are more good options because they pack polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that fights cellular damage.

If you’re in need of restaurants that serve healthy soft foods to eat after dental work, we’ve got you covered, too.

The key is avoiding high-sugar foods and drinks. Realistically, you’re going to want a sweet treat every now and then. That’s fine — just brush and floss your teeth 30 to 60 minutes afterward.

A Note on Dental Surgery, Foods and Beverages

Avoid consuming some food and drink types, despite how tempting they are, when you’ve had oral surgery or periodontal surgery:

Spicy foods
Acidic foods
Hot beverages
Sugary cocktails and alcohol
Crunchy foods, like chips and popcorn
Small foods, like rice, seeds and nuts, that could get stuck in sutures

Plus, skip anything that could irritate your surgical site, like using a straw and spitting. Follow a soft-food diet to not disturb natural blood clotting, which is integral to the healing process.

That doesn’t mean just eating ice cream and gelatin desserts, though — you have tons of alternatives at these Bellevue restaurants.

Consult Cascadia Dental Specialists’ postop guide for more tips on a smooth recovery process.

Bellevue Restaurants With Soft Food and Teeth-Strengthening Foods

Health-food hangouts to global cuisine, Bellevue has a bevy of top-tier restaurants. You’ll find dishes with ingredients and textures that please your palate, your body and your dentist.

P.S. We checked for you — each Bellevue restaurant below has at least four-star reviews. We’ve been earning our own stellar reviews and testimonials while serving patients in Bellevue and the Seattle area.

1. Stallion Smoothies

Smoothies can absolutely be meals when they contain the right ingredients, and that’s where Stallion Smoothies shines. Besides providing nutritional benefits, many of its cool smoothies are delicious, filling choices as soft foods after oral surgery.

This Bellevue restaurant is all about fitness — it’s inside L.A. Fitness, as a matter of fact. You can also find protein punches and specialty blends for keto diets, energy boosts and muscle-building.

2. Araya’s Place

When you want a teeth-friendly Thai restaurant, Bellevue has just the ticket.

Araya’s Place is proudly vegan, so you’re sure to get your greens. Try its tofu-topped salads when you want a fibery crunch. Meanwhile, its savory soups are lovely soft meals for sore teeth and gums.

3. Mediterranean Kitchen

Authentic bites of Mediterranean-Lebanese delights that also get your dentist’s approval? Bellevue boasts Mediterranean Kitchen to fit the bill.

Besides getting soup or salad with each meal, you have meat and vegetarian options for lunch and dinner plates. Brighten your smile with fiber- and protein-rich nutrition, or soothe your mouth with soft foods to eat after dental work. We suggest the mezza tray as a standout appetizer.

4. Cactus

With this Mexican restaurant, Bellevue scored a hit. Cactus takes Mexican alongside Spanish and Southwestern flavors to craft distinct dishes.

From brunch to dinner, look for teeth-strengthening foods like carne asada and eggs. If you’re on the mend, try its soups — like the Southwest seafood chowder — for soft foods after dental work (but not dental surgery).

Tip. Scrambled and over-easy eggs are also low-carb soft foods that benefit your dental health with protein, calcium and iron.

5. Desi Tadka

When you absolutely must visit a great Indian restaurant, Bellevue doesn’t disappoint. Take your love of Indian food to a toothsome, wholesome level at Desi Tadka.

It carries authentic Indian food with a twist. Its extensive vegetarian specialties guarantee your mouth (and body) gets the nutrients it needs. From legumes to veggies to dairy, fiber and calcium are in nearly every delectable, nutritious dish.