Food plays a vital role in our health. We count calories to lose weight. Eat more vegetables to get more vitamins. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Did you know that certain foods are also good for your teeth? We’re not just talking about avoiding sugary treats to prevent cavities. Many foods offer important vitamins to help protect enamel and prevent bad breath. Read on for the 10 foods that are good for your teeth.
- Cheese
Our parents always told us growing up how important it was to drink our milk to build strong bones. So it’s not surprise that eating cheese, which contains calcium, is also good for your teeth. Because teeth are similar to bone, calcium helps to strengthen your enamel while the proteins in cheese help to repair it.
- Green Tea
Unlike coffee, unsweetened tea is a better option for your teeth. Green tea in particular is a great option as it contains many antioxidants that help fight plaque. Green tea also is less likely to stain your teeth compared to milder black teas.
- Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are the perfect food for your teeth. They contain calcium which is good for your enamel and fiber that helps you produce saliva to clean your teeth. It also contains other important vitamins for your teeth like folic acid and B vitamins. Because they are low calorie, leafy greens make a great addition to your diet all around.
- Strawberries
It’s no surprise that acidic foods are not good for your teeth. But what you may not have known is that strawberries contain a different kind of acid that is actually good for your teeth. Malic acid help to whiten your enamel and keep your teeth pearly white. So if you favor black coffee in the morning, snacking on strawberries is the perfect snack to prevent staining.
- Apples
Apples are a great substitute when you’re looking for a sweet treat. In addition to being a healthier alternative to sugary snacks, apples help keep you hydrated and promote the production of saliva. The combination can help prevent cavities among other great benefits.
- Almonds
This nut has really proven to be a superstar for your overall health. When it comes to your teeth, almonds are also high in calcium which, like milk and cheese, are great for your enamel. They’re also low in sugar which makes them another great option for snacking in between meals.
- Wild Salmon
We’ve all heard about the great health benefits of eating salmon. Among the numerous health benefits that Omega 3’s have for your body, they also help you to absorb calcium better. Pair that with some leafy greens and you have the perfect meal for your teeth.
- Carrots
If you were one of those kids that actually ate your carrot sticks, then you were fighting plaque before you even knew it. Because carrots require a lot of chewing, they can help strengthen your teeth and prevent plaque buildup. Next time you’re reaching for a snack, consider carrots as a healthy option for your eyes and your teeth.
- Sugar-free gum
When they say that 9/10 dentists recommend sugar-free gum, they’re not kidding. Aside from calcium, sugar-free gum also contains xylitol which is an alternative to sugar that can reduce the bacteria on your teeth. Combined with the saliva production, it can help your enamel while freshening your breath.
- Water
Water has more than just the ability to hydrate you. Drinking water helps to wash unwanted sugar from your teeth. According to health.com, water typically contains fluoride which helps to prevent tooth erosion.
In conclusion, there are many foods that are good for your teeth. From fiber rich foods like leafy greens to calcium rich cheese, these foods help to prevent tooth decay or give your teeth the nutrients they need to be strong and healthy. Next time you’re looking for a snack, consider grabbing one of these 10 foods that are good for your teeth.
Sources:
Colgate.com
Listerine.com
https://www.listerine.com/cavities-strong-teeth/foods-strong-teeth
Health.com
