Your teeth may not be top of mind when you think about being healthy, but they absolutely should be! Good oral hygiene is key to having a healthy mouth, and that starts with choosing the right Foods for Healthy Teeth-
But what are the best foods for keeping those pearly whites shining? Turns out, there are plenty of options that will help keep your teeth in great shape – and this does not just stop at apples and celery!
This post will explore some of the best food choices for healthy teeth – so you can keep your smile looking its best. But first, let’s examine how the food you eat affects your dental health.
How does my choice of food affect my dental health?
The foods you eat have a direct impact on the health of your teeth and gums. This is because the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and other carbohydrates, producing acids that can damage your teeth.
Moreover, some foods can be abrasive to your tooth enamel, causing it to wear down over time. While other foods can promote the growth of plaque, which can lead to gum disease.
So, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you eat and how they might affect your dental health. With that said, let’s look at some of the best foods for healthy teeth.
10 best foods for healthy teeth
Here are some of the best foods for healthy teeth.
Dairy Products
Dairy products include foods like milk, cheese and yogurt, which are rich in calcium. Milk, for example, is a great source of calcium, which is essential for strong teeth. Calcium helps to rebuild tooth enamel and can also help to prevent gum disease.
In addition, milk also contains phosphate, which helps to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Cheese, on the other hand, helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth, which can protect your teeth from decay. While yogurt contains probiotics that can help fight against harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Celery
Celery contains polysaccharides that bind to calcium, making it an effective food for preventing tooth decay. It also has a high water content, which helps to keep the mouth hydrated, ultimately preventing dry mouth.
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of vitamin E, which helps to protect your gums from inflammation. They contain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for healthy teeth. Plus, they also have antioxidants that can help to fight against tooth decay
Apples
An apple a day might not keep the doctor away, but it sure contains minerals and vitamins that are essential for your dental health. Apples are a great source of fiber, which is important for keeping your gums healthy. Moreover, the rigorous amount of chewing involved in eating an apple promotes saliva production, which helps to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria
Fiber-rich foods and vegetables
It’s common knowledge that vegetables are good for our overall health but who knew boring foods like carrots and cucumber would also make the cut. Carrots and cucumbers are fiber-rich foods that help clean your teeth and remove plaque. They also contain vitamins and minerals that help to enrich the tooth.
On the other hand, while veggies like broccoli and spinach might be all green and no fun, they are packed with minerals and vitamins that are good for your teeth. Broccoli, for example, is high in fiber, which helps keep your gums healthy. While leafy greens such as spinach and kale are high in vitamins A and C, which are vital for strong teeth.
Onions
While onions might not be your go-to food as a source of fresh breath, they contain sulfur compounds that have antibacterial properties. This helps keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Seafood
Seafood is a great source of phosphorus, which helps to remineralize the teeth. They include foods like shrimps, oysters and periwinkles. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce gum disease.
They also contain vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and keeping your teeth strong.
Tea
Tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce plaque formation on the teeth. It also has fluorine and antioxidants, which helps to prevent cavities and protect your teeth against damage.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is actually good for your teeth! It contains flavonoids, which can help to reduce the growth of plaque. In addition, it also contains cacao, which is effective at reducing tooth decay. But that doesn’t mean you should go overboard eating dark chocolate. While consuming dark chocolate, keep in mind that it also contains sugar which can be dangerous for your teeth.
Water
The list of best foods for the teeth will not be complete without water. And to answer the question on your mind, yes, water is also a food. Contrary to what you may think, you can actually survive on water for more than 3 weeks without taking any extra food.
Moreover, water is essential for good oral health. It helps keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dryness, which can lead to gum disease. It also helps to reduce bad breath and neutralize the pH of your saliva to prevent bacterial growth.
Furthermore, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after eating sugary or acidic foods. Doing this will help rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best foods for healthy teeth. Be sure to include these in your diet, and you’ll be on your way to having a beautiful smile! However, if you have any further questions about the foods you should eat for healthy teeth, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Our Dentists at Butler Family Dental are vastly experienced and equipped to answer any questions you might have. And if you need any additional assistance regarding your dental health, you can rest assured that your needs will be properly taken care of.
