Taking care of your teeth involves care outside of just brushing and flossing. Your lifestyle reflects almost every aspect of your health, including oral health. Eating certain foods can promote strong and healthy teeth.
Check out the list of these tooth-friendly foods!
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, which is crucial for strong teeth and bones. They also contain casein, a protein that helps protect tooth enamel.
- Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Foods like apples, carrots, celery (or nature’s floss), and cucumbers require chewing, which promotes saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles, reducing the risk of cavities.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, including calcium and folic acid, which contribute to healthy gums.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds are good sources of calcium and provide a natural abrasive texture that can help remove plaque from teeth.
- Fish: Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit gum health.
- Green and Black Tea: Tea contains compounds called polyphenols that can help suppress the growth of bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. However, avoid adding sugar to your tea, as it can promote tooth decay.
- Water: Staying hydrated with water helps maintain saliva production, which is essential for washing away food particles and preventing dry mouth.
Conclusion
So, while an apple a day may not keep the dentist away, apples along with the foods listed above can help make your next dentist appointment much smoother!
