We all know that brushing and flossing your teeth daily is the best route to good oral health. But did you know that eating a diet rich in certain foods can be just as important to your teeth and gums? Your teeth are irreplaceable, so taking advantage of adding some power to your daily oral health care is a good idea.
Grab some healthy fruits and vegetables and have a snack while you’re reviewing these nine foods and beverages that will leave you with a brighter smile.
- Green Tea is full of natural antioxidants that stop plaque from accumulating on your teeth. Which of course reduces your risk of cavities (and as a bonus, reduces bad breath). In addition, you’ll find fluoride in some green teas (take a look at the label).
- Dairy products (think milk and yogurt) are low in sugars and acids, which makes them super as a healthy snack or for quenching your thirst. Remember, sugar and acids are tough on teeth, causing erosion and decay. Plus dairy products are packed with calcium, which helps your teeth and bones.
- Cheese also has major benefits for your teeth and gums. It’s also packed with calcium, and as a bonus also has phosphate. Both help promote healthy teeth. Cheese also does a great job of balancing the pH in your mouth, helps create more saliva, rebuilds the enamel on your teeth, and eliminates bacteria that are the cause of gum disease and cavities.
- Fruit in raw form is a good choice for healthy teeth. It reduces plaque and the Vitamin C in the fruit helps your body’s cells. A lack of Vitamin C can eventually lead to gum disease.
- Vegetables are full of Vitamin A, which helps create tooth enamel. Vegies full of Vitamin A include broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin. Eat them raw and you’ll increase the amount of Vitamin A you are getting plus the raw vegetables will clean your teeth and massage your gums (raw celery is a great choice). Plus the vegies will help you produce more saliva, which washes away cavity-causing bacteria.
- Onions are a vegetable, but they are unique in that they contain tons of powerful anti-bacterial sulphur compounds, which kill the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums. Best results will come if you eat the onions raw, although that might make it tough if you want to be around other people!
- Sesame seeds are wonderful at dissolving plaque and helping to build enamel on your teeth. In addition, they are full of calcium, which is good for your bones and teeth.
- Meat-based proteins are rich in phosphorus, which when combined with calcium and Vitamin D help strengthen our teeth and bones.
- Water is a powerful oral health ally. It cleans bacteria and food debris out of your mouth, encourages the production of saliva, and provides hydration for your gums.
Source: Dental.Net