Healthy food choices are not only important for our general health, they are also vital to our oral health. We all know about what foods to avoid that will stain our teeth. However, what about the healthy foods? The food choices that actually help our teeth and prevent oral problems?
22 Healthy Food Choices for Your Teeth
Strawberries. They have an enzyme called malic acid that helps whiten teeth.
Apples and Cucumbers. They increase saliva production, which also serves as the mouth’s self-cleaning agent. In addition, they may be able to kill the bacteria that causes bad breath. However, keep in mind that apples are also high in sugar content, so you should brush and floss after eating them.
Celery. Likewise, celery also increases saliva production as well. It is also crunchy, fibrous texture can also help scrub teeth clean.
Ginger. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that can counteract things like periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory disease.
Baking Soda. While not a food per say, it is something we tend to use in foods, to clean, and even to brush our teeth. Therefore, it was worth adding to the list! Studies have found that baking soda is a mild, natural tooth whitener.
Leafy Greens. They’re high in calcium, which builds your teeth’s enamel; and contain folic acid, a type of B vitamin that has numerous health benefits, including possibly treating gum disease in pregnant women.
Basil. It is able to reduce bacteria in the mouth with its natural antibiotic properties.
Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt. Dairy products contain lactic acid, which may also help protect teeth against decay. Additionally, they are rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which can help protect tooth enamel and aid in replacing minerals in our teeth.
Furthermore, a study in the journal Dentistry found kids who ate yogurt four times per week had less tooth decay than kids who didn’t eat yogurt.
Salmon. This delicious fish provides vitamin D, an important nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.
Red Wine. Yes, red wine can stain teeth. However, if you properly floss and brush after drinking it, you are far less likely to have that occur. So, why add red wine to the list? Because, according to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a glass of red wine can have a strong antimicrobial effect against cavity causing bacteria. For this reason, we felt it was a good food to add.
Sesame Seeds and Almonds. Chewing coarse seeds and nuts can scrub teeth, resulting in helping with the cleaning process.
Broccoli. This cruciferous vegetable contains iron which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.
Whole Grains. Eating whole grains lowers the risk of gum disease.
Shiitake Mushrooms. These delicious edible fungi have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Also, they have a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.
Raw Onions. They contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which help to reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay. When eaten raw, onions also have powerful antibacterial properties.
Garlic. The allicin that is contained in garlic has strong antimicrobial properties. For this reason, it helps fight periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Wasabi. May be able to prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. In addition, it’s a delicious compliment to your sushi!
Water. This is one of the most healthy things you can consume. Water is vital to your health, and it can help wash away food particles stuck in teeth. It also increases saliva production, which as we discussed earlier, aids in cleaning our teeth.
In addition to eating more of the healthy food choices mentioned above, make sure that you are also getting regular dental checkups! Call the office today, 866-864-9382, to schedule yours.