Having healthy teeth is vital for your overall health, but many people are not sure what foods to eat in order to keep their pearly whites healthy. The best way to get a good idea of which foods can help you avoid tooth decay and cavities is by talking with your dentist. However, there are some foods that are more effective than others at protecting against tooth decay and cavities. Here are five of our favorites:
YOGURT AND CHEESE
You may have heard that yogurt and cheese are good for your teeth. This is true! Yogurt is high in calcium, which helps strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth decay. Cheese also contains lactobacillus, which helps fight off harmful bacteria that can cause cavities. Plus, cheese is a good source of protein--and we all know how important it is to maintain strong bones!
CARROTS, CELERY AND LEAFY GREENS
Carrots, celery and leafy greens are good for your teeth. They contain vitamin C which helps prevent tooth decay. In addition to that, these foods also contain calcium and phosphorus which help build strong teeth.
Celery is a good source of fiber and water, both of which help to keep your teeth clean. This vegetable also has a stringy texture, which have been shown to help scrub off plaque formation on your teeth and gums as you chew. In addition, celery contains vitamin K and magnesium—both essential nutrients for maintaining healthy bones and gums.
APPLES
It’s true what they say – an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples are rich in vitamin C, making them a good source of this important nutrient. Vitamin C helps to strengthen tooth enamel, which means that your teeth will be less likely to decay or break down as quickly as they would if you didn't have enough vitamin C in your diet. In addition, apples contain fiber and pectin--a type of soluble fiber that can help eliminate food particles from the mouth, reducing plaque formation on the surface of teeth (and thus preventing cavities).
LEAN PROTEINS
Lean proteins are a good source of the protein you need to build and maintain strong teeth. Lean proteins include fish, poultry and red meat. Eating lean proteins can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). It also helps protect against gum disease by preventing plaque from sticking to your gums.
NUTS
Nuts are a great source of calcium and magnesium, which are both important for strong teeth. They also contain vitamin E, which can help keep your teeth strong by preventing gum disease. A handful of nuts every day can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth as well as strengthen them over time.
At the end of the day, your teeth are a party of your body. You should treat them as such and make sure they are well taken care of. Even if you don’t have any dental issues now, there is always room for improvement!
