Did you know that there are foods that promote healthy teeth and that actively fight to keep your teeth safe? Today’s blog focuses on the 8 types of foods that you should start eating if you want healthier teeth.
These include:
- Green or black teas neutralize plaque-causing bacteria
- Nuts
- Foods high in lean protein help promote stronger teeth
- Leafy Greens | Fruits and vegetables high in fiber
- Apples, carrots, celery, and leafy greens
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy products like milk and cheese
- Food or beverages with fluoride help repair eroded enamel
- Sugar-free chewing gum helps promote saliva production
How Tea, nuts, and lean proteins promote healty teeth
First on our list are teas, nuts, and lean proteins. Unsweetened black and green teas provide plaque-fighting ingredients. Lean proteins like meat, fish, poultry and tofu have phosphorous and protein to help keep teeth healthy. Almonds are great for your teeth because they are a good source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar.
How leafy greens promote healthy teeth
If you have spent any time in nutrition classes you know that vegetables should be a star in your diet. They have many health benefits without being heavy or calorie-dense. Vegetables provide vitamins and minerals and help you produce saliva to clean your mouth and keep enamel healthy.
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, chard, or collard greens are full of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. If you don’t go too heavy on the dressings or toppings, you could eat as many leafy greens as you want! Leafy greens are high in calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins, which help your health. You can easily add these leafy greens can to a salad or smoothie.
How do apples, carrots, and celery promote healthy teeth?
Instead of grabbing a candy bar or dessert, if you have a sweet tooth, eat an apple instead! Apples provide hydration and fiber for your body. By replacing sugary treats with apples, you’re promoting good saliva production. Celery helps clean your teeth because the texture can scrape leftover food particles and bacteria away from your teeth.
Carrots and celery are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Add raw carrots to a salad, or enjoy some baby carrots as a snack.
How does dairy products promote healthy teeth?
First, dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk encourage your body to produce more saliva, protecting your teeth. Second, cheese and yogurt are high in calcium and protein, which helps strengthen your teeth. Also, yogurt contains probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, for your digestive system. Just remember to choose unsweetened or sugar-free yogurt and add a touch of sweetener or honey yourself. Suppose you are sensitive or allergic to dairy. In that case, you can find calcium- and protein-fortified nut milk like almond, soy, or cashew milk.
What do snacks and sweets do to your teeth?
The ADA recommends limiting snacks between meals. Typical snack foods are high in sugar. Frequent eating of these foods increases the amount of time you expose your teeth to the harmful effects of sugar while decreasing saliva’s ability to neutralize tooth-damaging acids. Bacteria use sugar as a fuel that gets converted into acid. This means that those foods will continue to harm your teeth long after you have finished eating them.
When deciding on a snack, opt for some of the foods mentioned like almonds, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
Other foods best for your teeth
Fluoride plays a vital role in building strong teeth and bones, helping prevent tooth decay. This is why we add fluoride to toothpaste and water. Choosing fluoride toothpaste or eating foods with fluoride helps your teeth absorb this mineral, allowing the fluoride to make your teeth acid-resistant.
Most seafood is a good source of fluoride because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans, canned tomato products, and cheeses all have some fluoride. See this list of fluoride-enriched foods on the USDA National Nutrient Database.
Water is a great cleanser. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help eliminate dry mouth by keeping your mouth moist to prevent the bacteria that lead to cavities, gum disease, or bad breath. Chewing sugar-free gum, especially after a meal, keeps the flow of saliva going and freshen after-dinner breath.
Adding these foods to your diet can make a difference in your oral health. You can also focus on healthy habits such as limiting snacking and limiting sugar in your diet. Ensuring you pack your diet with vegetables, low- or no-sugar-added dairy products, fruits, lean proteins, and plenty of water is an excellent way to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health.
Who is Woodland Family Dental?
Woodland Family Dental is one of Duluth, Minnesota’s top family dental offices. with over 50 five-star reviews on Google and Facebook, our team makes it our mission to provide the best dentistry for anyone that needs it. Our experienced team of dentists offers a wide array of dental services including general cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. Woodland Family Dental is here to help you with your dental needs. Not to mention our great location on Miller Trunk Highway right next to the mall in Duluth, Minnesota. Woodland Family Dental cares about helping our patients and accepts almost all insurances. Set up an appointment today and see why so many families love us. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date, get more tips, and learn about what our team is up to.
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