You probably know many of the foods that are bad for your teeth. Dentists warn of the dangers of sticky sweets, corrosive cola and many other foods that hasten tooth decay.
As children, we learn about all the foods that are bad for our teeth. However, we seldom hear about foods that actually help keep our teeth healthy. They can combat the plaque, bacteria and other things that cause damage to your teeth.
Be sure to ask your dentist if you have any questions about caring for your teeth. Here are three things that are high on the list of foods that help maintain healthy teeth.
Dairy Products
This may seem rather obvious as you’ve probably been lectured on the virtues of calcium, particularly for your teeth. Milk and dairy products help your teeth in another way as well.
Your teeth are largely made up of calcium, and you need an appropriate amount in your diet to ensure that your teeth remain healthy. Calcium, especially in dairy, also combines with plaque.
Then, it prevents acid from attacking your teeth. It also helps to immediately reconstruct any damage to the enamel that may have already been done. If you can’t or don’t consume dairy products, you can try products with added calcium.
Fiber
Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber will actually protect your teeth from damage. This is because the fiber stimulates your mouth to make more saliva (also known as spit).
This acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria in your oral cavity. The saliva that is produced has two functions.
The first is that it clears away residual food in your teeth and washes out your mouth. It also lowers the acidity level in your mouth. This lessens the likelihood that your teeth will be damaged by the acid.
You’ll greatly benefit from following up your meal with a crisp apple. Make sure to eat foods that are high in fiber but also low in sugar.
Tea
Green and black teas contain polyphenols, which kill or weaken the plaque that sticks to your teeth. Tea also reduces the amount of inflammation in your mouth and may even prevent gum disease.
You can make your tea even more protective of your choppers by brewing it with fluoridated water. However, adding sugar to your tea will negate the positive effects, since sugar is bad for your teeth.
It is just as important to include foods that will benefit your teeth as it is to reduce ones that will damage them, such as candy and soft drinks. Your diet really can affect the strength of your teeth. Try all of these foods to keep your smile healthy for many years to come.
This post is underwritten by Keith Sullivan; please read my disclosure here.
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