Maintaining healthy teeth is important for all-around health and well-being. Healthy teeth and gums help you chew and digest food, talk and speak clearly, and to give your face its own unique and beautiful shape. A healthy smile also gives you greater confidence, and can even influence your social life, career, and relationships. What you eat can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Fortunately, there are several foods that are good for your teeth.
12 Spectacular Foods that are Good for Your Teeth
1. Cheese
Yes, now there is another reason to love cheese – it is good for your teeth! Cheese has high levels of the minerals phosphate and calcium that naturally strengthen your teeth and your bones. These minerals also balance the pH level in your mouth to reduce harmful acids. Cheese and other dairy products also contain casein that, when combined with calcium and phosphate compounds, create a protective coating on the tooth enamel. This coating prevents the loss of calcium, or decalcification, from tooth enamel. Plus, eating cheese stimulates the production of the saliva that keeps your mouth moist and rinses away bacteria.
2. Yogurt
A research team in Japan assessed the severity of periodontal disease in 942 men and women, aged 40 to 79 years, and their intake of yogurt and other foods. They found that those who consumed yogurt and yogurt drinks had the healthiest gums.
3. Leafy greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are good for your teeth. These leafy greens are high in calcium, which builds tooth enamel. Leafy greens also contain folate, which is a type of vitamin B that provides a number of benefits to improve oral health. For example, the body uses folate to make the red blood cells that transport oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body, including the cells and tissues inside the mouth. Without this folate, the gums, tongue and other tissues of your mouth might not get the oxygen they need for optimal health. Furthermore, consuming enough folate can help prevent gum disease, according to Colgate.
4. Apples
Apples are high in dietary fiber and water. The act of chewing an apple triggers the production of saliva, which rinses away food debris and bacteria from your mouth. The crisp texture of the apple skin also stimulates your gums.
5. Carrots
Crunchy raw carrots act like a natural toothbrush to scrub food and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. The chewing action also massages your gums to stimulate blood circulation. The orange vegetable contains vitamin A and carotene. The vitamin A in carrots strengthens tooth enamel and helps keep gums healthy. The body can create vitamin A, but needs carotene to do it.
6. Celery
Like apples and carrots, celery works like a toothbrush to scrub your teeth. Celery is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which are both antioxidants that boost the health of your gums.
7. Almonds
Almonds are a good source of the calcium and protein that keep teeth strong. As an added benefit, almonds are also low in sugar.
8. Wild Salmon
Wild salmon contains calcium and vitamin D. Calcium keeps tooth enamel strong, while vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium.
9. Green Tea
Green tea can promote health teeth and gums. The American Academy of Periodontology discusses the results of a study that shows drinking can lower the instance of the advanced form of gum disease, known as periodontal disease. Green tea contains catechin, which is an antioxidant that can reduce the inflammation associated with periodontal disease.
10. Milk
Like yogurt and cheese, milk contains the calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and casein you need for the strongest enamel possible.
11. Water
While water is not quite a food, it is too important to leave off this list of foods that are good for your teeth. Water rinses food debris and bacteria from your mouth before they can cause tooth decay. Fluoridated water provides special protection from cavities by preventing the demineralization that weakens tooth enamel. Plus, water is a low-calorie, sugar-free substitute for sugary drinks that promote tooth decay.
12. Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid, which can whiten tooth enamel by scrubbing away stains. While malic acid does not whiten as well as chemical whiteners, it is a great way to brighten your smile naturally.
Optimum Teeth Health Requires a Dentist
While you can improve your oral health by eating foods that are good for your teeth, the best way to get optimum teeth health is to visit your trusted dental professional – and we here at Triangle Dentistry would love to be yours! Schedule a free consultation with Triangle Dentistry today.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000