Foods Good for Teeth
A dazzling smile offers an exceptional first impression and helps you feel more confident. However, cavities, tooth decay and other dental issues can lead to less-than-desirable circumstances and serious insecurities. Not only that, but poor dental health can also impact your overall health in many ways.
When it comes to your teeth, brushing and flossing go a long way. Yet, so does what you eat! Selecting certain foods can negatively or positively impact your oral health. So, what are some good foods for teeth? Let’s dive in!
1. Milk
This first one likely comes as no surprise. As we all know, calcium is essential for bones and teeth. Yet, that is not all. Calcium-rich foods also encourage your body to create more saliva, which offers natural protection for your teeth. Other sources of calcium, aside from milk, include cheese, yogurt, tofu and almonds.
2. Meat and Fatty Fish
Meat can help prevent tooth decay by stimulating the body to produce more saliva. Saliva helps reduce acidity in your mouth, as well as helps rid your mouth of any particles that could contribute to decay. Additionally, tofu and fatty fish, such as salmon, contain phosphorous, which protects tooth enamel.
3. Oranges
Something sweet is probably the last thing you expected to see on this list. Yet, foods containing vitamin C are essential for good gum health. However, oranges and other citrus fruits are not the only foods that have ample amounts of vitamin C. Other foods containing tons of vitamin C include tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and spinach.
4. Crunchy Veggies
Think carrots, celery and other fibrous veggies. Eating these types of food can actually help clean your teeth since lots of chewing is involved in consuming these items. These foods further contain lots of water, further stimulating saliva production and offering a natural teeth-cleaning mechanism. Carrots also have lots of vitamin C and calcium, providing even more benefits.
5. Nuts
Many nuts, especially Brazil nuts, cashews and almonds, are jam-packed with phosphorous and calcium. They also help combat tooth decay. Other nuts, like walnuts, also contain fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and more!
6. Leafy Greens
It’s no secret that leafy greens are good for you. They are light on calories and jam-packed with nutrients. Again, these types of foods help stimulate saliva production and keep your enamel in tip-top shape.
7. Apples
You’ve likely heard, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While, again, sugary foods are not entirely ideal for oral healthcare since sugar combined with plaque bacteria creates an acidic environment, apples contain fiber and water. This boosts saliva production, helping you kick off the digestive process and helping your body naturally protect your teeth from harm and decay.
8. Water
The human body is made up of about 60% water. Staying hydrated is important for countless reasons, including maintaining good oral health. In fact, replacing sugary drinks with water can provide various health benefits and help limit the number of bacteria and acidity in your mouth. In turn, this can maintain tooth health, prevent cavities and prevent dental disease.
Related Search Topics (Ads)
9. Tea
You might be tempted to write off tea or coffee as a no-go when it comes to oral and tooth health. Yet, unsweetened black and green teas actually contain beneficial plaque-fighting ingredients.
These teas also naturally contain polyphenols. Polyphenols act as antioxidants in the body, which means they help prevent damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce inflammation and improve health in a variety of ways.
10. Sweet Potatoes
For all the sweet potato lovers out there, you can rest assured that sweet potatoes are not just a delicious food you can throw on the side of almost any meal. With many health benefits, sweet potatoes have a good amount of vitamin A, which can help improve soft gum tissue and the mucous membranes in the mouth. Vitamin A is further essential for maintaining tooth enamel since it contributes to the production of keratin.
Other Tips and Tricks for Improved Oral Health
While eating a combination of nutrient-rich foods is essential for good overall health and oral health, there is more to it than just that. When it comes to taking care of your teeth, you will also want to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Brush in gentle and circular motions.
- Brush your tongue.
- Floss daily.
- Book a visit to your dentist once or twice a year.
Oral health can also be impacted by your genes. You can be predisposed to bad or good teeth. If you know you are more prone to cavities, you may want to pay special attention to your dental and oral care, as well as what you eat. Use the above tips and food list to help guide you toward a healthier and more vibrant life where you are not afraid to flash that smile or laugh each day.