Did you know about 26% of Americans suffer from a type of tooth disease?
Although brushing your teeth daily and visiting the dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, there are plenty of good foods with your teeth. Great dental health doesn’t start at your dentist’s office; it starts in the kitchen.
Read on to learn about these foods that are good for your teeth.
1. Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
Although milk gets a bad reputation for lactose intolerant ones, your teeth can really benefit from a glass of milk. As a whole food, milk contains 18 essential nutrients that your body needs to grow and develop.
Not only is milk rich in calcium and vitamin D, nutrients vital to keeping your teeth strong and healthy, but it contains other bone-building vitamins. Milk is also rich in protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Those who drink a glass of milk a day will see improvement in their teeth, according to a study. However, because milk contains sugar, it’s important you brush your teeth after drinking milk, especially children who drink it at night.
If you don’t enjoy drinking a glass of wine every night, other forms of dairy you can consume are packed with the same nutrients. Yogurt is not only packed with calcium, but it also contains probiotics, which are great for gut health.
However, to avoid harming your teeth, it’s important you stay away from yogurts that contain a lot of sugar.
Cheese is not only an excellent snack, but it can help strengthen your teeth. Aside from containing many of the same nutrients as milk, cheese also contains casein. Casein is a protein that helps remineralize tooth enamel.
2. Water
Although water is not technically food, consuming water is quite beneficial for your teeth. For starters, water helps fight the feeling of dry mouth.
Saliva does more than keeping your mouth moist, it washes away leftover food, and it’s your best defense against tooth decay. If your mouth is dry and not producing saliva, your teeth are at risk for tooth decay.
Although you brush your teeth several times a day, drinking water helps clean your mouth whenever you drink it. For example, if you drink soda, juice, or other sugary drinks, you leave the residue on your teeth.
Water can help you rinse off the residue and prevent further damage to your teeth. If you drink water with fluoride, you can also help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
3. Green Tea
While we are always advised to stay away from coffee and black tea because they stain your teeth, green tea has many benefits for your teeth.
Green tea can help strengthen your teeth because it contains fluoride, a natural mineral, and the outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride helps fight and prevent cavities. Also, green tea contains plenty of antioxidants that aid in periodontal disease.
The antioxidants in green tea also help improve brain function, prevent cancer, lowers the risk of heart disease, and aids fat loss.
4. Carrots
Carrots contain many nutrients such as vitamin B6, vitamin A, biotin, and fiber, not to mention they’re also low in fat. Due to all of their nutrients, carrots help boost your eye health, aids weight loss, fight cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
Not only do they provide your body with plenty of nutrients, but they’re also great for your teeth. Because they have an abrasive and harder texture, carrots act like a natural toothbrush removing build-up and plaque off your teeth.
5. Celery
Celery has the same abrasive texture as carrots and also acts as a natural toothbrush. Aside from removing plaque from your teeth, celery is packed with antioxidants.
Celery contains plenty of vitamin C, and the antioxidants promote gum health and prevent inflammation.
6. Apples
Due to their fibrous texture, apples are one of the best foods if you want to remove plaque from your teeth. Also, they can stimulate your gums, increase saliva flow, and reduce bacteria that cause cavities.
Aside from acting as a natural toothbrush, apples contain plenty of nutrients, such as vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and more. Apples can also help you have a stronger heart because they contain plenty of soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol.
Apples also help promote gut health by introducing healthy bacteria to your body. They’re also low in calories, so they can make a great snack if you’re trying to lose weight.
Apples are also great foods that help promote overall bone health and density, which includes your teeth.
7. Salmon & Other Fish
Eating salmon and other fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, and tuna can help you have stronger teeth. These fish types are rich in calcium and vitamin D, two key nutrients in healthy and strong teeth.
Salmon, for example, also contains plenty of omega-3, which can help promote gum health.
Fish also contains plenty of protein, an essential block that helps your body heal and maintains bone health. Fish also contains plenty of B vitamins that contribute you your overall health, such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. The selenium found in salmon can also reduce the risk of cancer.
8. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale can help promote saliva production. Because it takes a lot to chew and breakdown these greens, your mouth produces more saliva and cleans your teeth.
9. Pineapple
Aside from their great taste and sweetness, pineapples are one of the best foods for your teeth. Pineapple contains bromelain, an ingredient that helps reduce plaque and the effects of gingivitis.
This fruit also contains plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are necessary if you want to maintain your teeth’ health.
These are Some Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth
Now that you know about these foods that are good for your teeth, it’s time you become proud of your pearly whites. Some of the best foods for your teeth include leafy greens, apples, salmon, milk, cheese, and more
The best way to maintain the health of your teeth is by scheduling a dentist visit. Contact us at Cherry Creek Dental Group today to make an appointment.