Food that are good for your teeth
It can be overwhelming to consider all the foods that are harmful to your teeth. The worst part is, it’s usually the good foods and drinks that are the bad ones. Today it’s about being positive and what’s actually good for your teeth. Hopefully, some of your favorites are on this list!
Table of Contents
What Foods Are Good For Your Teeth?
1. Dairy products
Cheese, yogurt, and milk are great for your health and your teeth. Since these products all help your body produce more saliva, which if you didn’t know saliva protects your teeth. Also, most dairy is very high in calcium and protein. This helps strengthen your teeth, muscles, bones, and tissues. Yogurt is a delicious snack that contains probiotics. Probiotics are known as good bacteria which help your digestive system.
2. Apples
Apples contain lots of water and fiber and promote good saliva production. You may notice that it’s very common to end a meal with a hard fruit like an apple. This is because when you bite into the hard fruit, you are scraping your teeth and gums and actually removing plaque as you do so. It’s a great snack for preventing gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. Since apples are highly acidic, make sure to drink some water after eating them.
3. Leafy greens
Vegetables have many health benefits and are great for your teeth too. They have lots of vitamins and minerals that help clean your mouth and strengthen your enamel. Kale, spinach, and collard greens are high in calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins and are a perfect addition to any healthy smoothie if you’re looking to add some nutrition.
4. Carrots
Carrots are high in fiber and are great for saliva production. They are low in sugar too, which minimizes the growth of bacteria on your teeth. They’re also high in vitamin A.
5. Chocolate
Before you go crazy, it’s only a specific type of chocolate that’s actually good for your teeth. We are talking about dark chocolate with 70% cacao or more. When eaten in moderation, there are benefits for your teeth. Dark chocolate can strengthen your tooth enamel and help prevent your teeth from decaying.
6. Fish
Fish is great because of its high protein content. It’s also high in omega-3, and vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for your body since it helps with the absorption of calcium. Calcium is needed to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Is Everything Fine in Moderation?
Hopefully, lots of your favorite foods are on this list! Even if your favorite foods aren’t on this list doesn’t mean you have to stop eating them, everything is fine in moderation. Sugary drinks like soda are okay in moderation. You can also drink water after you have a soda to help prevent and clear any sugar that could stick to your teeth and feed bacteria. If you don’t really eat many of these foods on the list, perhaps try to add a few to your diet. Who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy them and have a happier healthy smile!
Food & Teeth FAQs
Foods that are good for strengthening enamel typically include calcium-rich options like dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese), leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods. These foods provide essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which help remineralize and fortify tooth enamel.
Additionally, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can stimulate saliva production, which protects and strengthens enamel by maintaining a healthy pH balance in the mouth. Remember, a balanced diet rich in nutrients is vital to maintaining strong enamel and oral health.
Foods that are not good for your teeth include sugary and acidic items. Sugary foods and drinks, like candies, soda, and desserts, feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks, can erode tooth enamel over time, making teeth more vulnerable to damage. Sticky and chewy foods like caramel and dried fruits can also get stuck in crevices, promoting decay. Frequent snacking and sipping on sugary or acidic items can exacerbate these issues, so moderation and proper oral hygiene are essential.
Food is crucial for oral health because it provides the necessary nutrients for maintaining strong teeth and gums. Nutrient-rich foods, particularly those high in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, help strengthen tooth enamel, repair damaged tissues, and support healthy gum tissue. Chewing fibrous foods stimulates saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles and harmful bacteria. A balanced diet also contributes to overall health, positively impacting oral health. Conversely, a poor diet high in sugars and low in essential nutrients can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.