We all know certain foods like caramel and soda are bad for your teeth, but you might not realize there are also foods that can boost oral health. Here are a few great options that could just improve your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
1. DAIRY PRODUCTS
As you may know, calcium builds strong bones, including teeth. When you consume dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, you do not only get a healthy dose of protein, but you also strengthen your tooth enamel, which protects against decay. Cheese is particularly beneficial because it also helps to reduce acidity and balance the pH in your mouth.
2. LEAFY GREENS
Most foods don’t contain the same levels of calcium that dairy products offer, but leafy greens give them a run for their money. Whether you’re looking for vegan or low-cal alternatives to dairy or you just love veggies, superfoods like spinach and kale pack a wallop of vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your whole body, your teeth included.
3. APPLES
Processed sugar may be a hard pass when it comes to your oral health, but natural fruits and veggies can do more than just provide vitamins and nutrients – some also help to clean your teeth. You’ve no doubt heard the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This could be because apples are full of immunity-boosting vitamin C and phenols that help to lower cholesterol. They also help to kill bacteria in the mouth and the crisp flesh acts as a natural brushing agent to help remove stuck-on food from teeth.
4. CELERY
You might as well call this common snack “nature’s toothbrush” since the crunchy flesh is great for scraping away harmful bacteria and film on teeth with every bite. Carrots are another good option if you’re not keen on the taste of celery or you can’t stand the stringy bits. These snacks also help to get your saliva flowing (to flush away bacteria and leftover food particles) and they provide nutrients like antioxidants that are good for gum health.
5. WATER
Okay, technically this is a beverage, not a food, but it’s one of the absolute best comestibles for your teeth and overall oral health. Your saliva does a lot to rinse your mouth, but it never hurts to have a little help. If you don’t have time to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash after every meal, do the next best thing and sip and swish water following meals.