Foods That Are Good For Teeth & Promote A Healthy Smile

Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong teeth. These minerals can help to rebuild and strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.

Additionally, the probiotics found in fermented dairy products like yogurt can help to improve the balance of good bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease to keep your teeth healthy.

Leafy Greens & Veggies

Leafy greens and vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are packed with vitamins, minerals and folic acids. These elements not only make them healthy foods for your overall well-being, but also foods that are good for your teeth. Some of the common elements found in leafy greens and their uses include:

• Iron: A natural bacteria fighter.
• Calcium: Strengthens the bones in your jaw.
• Vitamin D: Joins forces with calcium to strengthen the bones in your jaw and teeth.
• Vitamin A & C: Improve your soft tissue & gum health as well as preventing bacteria buildup.
• Folic Acids: Prevent periodontal disease.

So make sure you take your parents’ advice of eating plenty of salad! If you struggle to incorporate salads into your diet, try incorporating leafy greens and vegetables into your daily meals.

Green & Black Teas

Both green and black teas contain compounds called catechins, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. These compounds can help to kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, making them great options for maintaining good oral health. Additionally, both teas are naturally low in sugar, which is another benefit for your teeth.

Fluoridated Water & Drinks

Fluoride is a mineral that is essential for strong teeth. Similar to dairy products with calcium, drinking fluoridated water or beverages can help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, making your pearly whites more resistant to tooth decay. Additionally, fluoride can help to remineralize areas of your teeth that have been damaged by acid or bacteria, helping to repair and protect them. Here are some beverages that often contain higher levels of fluoride:

• Tap water
• Black tea
• Green tea
• Wine
• Grape juice

Of course, the fluoride levels in any of these beverages will depend on their source, such as the soil the tea or fruit was grown in, ingredients in the beverage and the water source. Keep in mind that some of these drinks can also have higher levels of elements that are damaging to teeth, such as high levels of sugar found in juice.

You’ll generally find much less fluoride in drinks that include the following:

• Filtered water
• Hard liquor
• Milk
• Bottled Water
• Herbal tea

Nuts

Nuts like almonds and walnuts are great for your teeth because they are high in proteins and healthy fats. The protein in this healthy snack is important for maintaining the strength and structure of your teeth and gums, while the healthy fats help to nourish and protect them.

Additionally, nuts are a great source of important elements like calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong teeth. Healthy nuts for your teeth include macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, and pecans as they are also low in carbohydrates.

Sugarless Chewing Gum

Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can help to promote oral health by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important for neutralizing acid and washing away bacteria, making it an essential component of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Additionally, sugarless gum can help to freshen breath, making it a great option for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Fun Fact: Did you know that eating sugary foods isn’t as bad for your teeth when you pair them with a meal instead of simply snacking on them between meals? This is because the increased saliva production in your mouth when eating breakfast, lunch or dinner will help wash away the acids and bacteria!

Taking Good Care Of Your Teeth

In conclusion, there are many foods that are good for your teeth, and incorporating them into your diet can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Eating a balanced diet that includes the foods we’ve listed above can help to support your oral health and ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy for years to come. Remember to always keep an eye on the amount of sugar you consume, as it is the main cause of tooth decay.