You may know that sugary and acidic foods are bad for your teeth. Do you also know which foods are beneficial to your oral health and which can help in strengthening your teeth? Read on to find out:
Cheese – According to a Consumer Trends report, 96% of Americans are cheese eaters and would rather be stripped of coffee than having cheese removed from their diet. This is good news for your teeth! Coffee cannot only stain your teeth, it can create acids that can cause tooth and enamel erosion. Cheese, on the other hand, can help lower the risk of tooth decay by balancing pH levels in the mouth, according to EruekAlert. Since cheese contains calcium and protein, it can also help to strengthen tooth enamel.
Yogurt – Just like cheese, yogurt can help strengthen your tooth enamel because it contains calcium and protein. Yogurt also contains probiotics and has been found to be beneficial to gums. The good bacteria from the yogurt push out the bad, cavity-causing bacteria keeping them healthy. However, stay away from flavored yogurt, as it can contain high amounts of sugar that can damage your teeth.
Leafy Greens – Look at any list of healthy foods and you’re sure to see leafy greens included. Beyond being generally good for your health, they can help strengthen your teeth, too. Leafy greens are full of vitamins and calcium, helping to reinforce the enamel of your teeth. They are also full of folic acid (a type of B Vitamin), which can help prevent gum disease. If you aren’t fond of the taste, throw greens in your smoothie.
Apples – While you may think apples wouldn’t be on this list due to their high sugar content, they contain a high amount of water and fiber. Eating an apple causes your mouth to produce saliva, which rinses away bacteria. Additionally, the texture of an apple can help stimulate the gums.
Carrots – Carrots can help reduce the risk of cavities by increasing saliva production in your mouth. Like apples, they are crunchy, full of fiber and have a good amount of Vitamin A.
Celery – Similar to apples and carrots, celery can help to scrape away pieces of food and keep bacteria off of teeth. Celery also contains a good amount of Vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help to improve your gum health.
Adding these six foods into your diet can help to strengthen your teeth naturally and work to improve your overall health. Pay close attention to what you are drinking, too, as many drinks these days contain high levels of sugar, which can be damaging to teeth. Swap these drinks for water, which is always the best pick and can help to keep your mouth hydrated and bacteria-free.
