When most people think of cleaning their teeth, they picture grabbing their toothbrush or dental floss. But certain foods can naturally help keep teeth shiny and healthy as well.
Everyone needs the right nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C to keep their teeth strong. But the texture of some foods gently scrubs the surfaces of teeth and provides nourishment to the gums.
Since dental woes can lead to the development of other health issues when bacteria enter the bloodstream through diseased gums, why not eat a diet designed for optimal tooth health?
1. Broccoli
Broccoli contains a ton of calcium in very few calories. Plus, those who munch on raw broccoli scrub other food particles and bacteria away from teeth surfaces where they may cause decay.
Pair florets with homemade Suva Paneer dip for an extra calcium blast with a delicious Asian flavor.
2. Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C also promotes gum health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Although all fruit does contain natural sugar, the nutrient kick balances out the risk, and brushing after eating does the rest.
While citrus is beneficial in smaller quantities, take care not to snack through a five-pound bag of oranges in one sitting, as too much acid can erode tooth enamel.
3. Potatoes
Potatoes, especially sweet potatoes, can benefit teeth, because they contain minerals such as phosphorus. Phosphorus serves as a critical building block to strong, healthy teeth and bones.
That doesn’t mean indulging in a giant container of fries daily, but without oils or creamy toppings, potatoes contain relatively few calories.
4. Spinach
Popeye may have gained fame for his super strength, but all that spinach he ate helped his teeth as well.
Dark green veggies like kale and spinach contain calcium, as well as other vitamins and minerals galore.
Brown bag a spinach salad with feta cheese for lunch to keep your smile bright.
5. Yogurt
All dairy products contain large amounts of calcium, but yogurt goes a step further by delivering probiotics to the small intestine to improve tummy health, too.
Yogurt also contains relatively few calories when compared to other milk-based foods. Milk enzymes do break down into sugars, so make sure to sneak in a quick brush after enjoying a dessert of Greek yogurt.
6. Nuts
Nuts provide all the satisfying crunch of potato or corn chips, but unlike their processed peers, nuts do not stick in teeth grooves where bacteria can flourish and develop into cavities.
Nuts also contain tons of nutrients and the kind of fats needed for maximum brain health.
And moms rejoice — even picky kids who wrinkle their nose at anything besides pizza find shelling peanuts fun, even more so when they can eat outdoors and throw the husks to the squirrels.
7. Apples
The crunchy consistency of apples serves as a natural toothbrush and gentle dental floss in one. Leaving the skin on apples delivers an even more powerful punch of vitamins and minerals.
And apples come in so many delicious varieties, people can chow down on a different type every day of the week.
8. Celery
Those craving peanut butter do well to pair it with celery to minimize the amount of sugar remaining on teeth after consumption.
Many young children adore celery and peanut butter, and their parents need not reveal the cavity-preventing power of this healthy combo.
So go right ahead and delight the youngsters with classic ants on a log when they crave an after-school snack.
9. Carrots
Those who have ever raised horses know they adore carrots every bit as much as Bugs Bunny, and humans can take a clue from our equine cousins when it comes to dental care.
Crunchy carrots stimulate the production of saliva. Those who suffer dry mouth due to certain medications or other health reasons benefit from hitting the veggie tray hard at their next office potluck or picnic in the park.
10. Water
When most people think about the dangers of dehydration, they picture their favorite reusable gym water bottle or have visions of parched hikers lost in the desert.
But getting too low on H2O can also cause dental woes.
Water rinses food particles from teeth when brushing isn’t practical and keeps bacteria from proliferating on tooth surfaces, causing decay.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Teeth
Brushing after meals, flossing daily and regular dental checkups do much to keep oral health strong. Consuming certain foods can supplement good dental hygiene by preventing painful cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss.
Keep your smile bright by choosing the right foods!
As the saying goes, “We are what we eat.” If we eat healthy foods, we are generally healthier. And this counts for our teeth as well. Thanks for sharing.