Many of us associate dental care only with good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist for checkups and cleanings.
Also we are taught from a young age that these practices are the key to early detection of the most prevalent dental diseases, such as tooth decay.
But did you realise that dental care entails far more than brushing your teeth and going to the dentist?
Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile necessitates eating the correct meals and acquiring the nutrients you require. So, what should you eat to maintain proper oral hygiene and overall health?
Read further to find out the best foods for healthy and strong teeth.
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Healthy Foods for Teeth
You’ve definitely heard the phrase “You are what you eat,” and this is especially true when it comes to your teeth and gums.
We already know that the bacteria in our mouths enjoy starchy or sugary meals, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. However, simply avoiding them is insufficient!
We must focus on eating a range of nutrient-dense foods from all food categories in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Add the following foods for strong and healthy teeth to your grocery list:
1- Water
Water is by far the healthiest option for your teeth and gums. Our bodies are 60% water, therefore staying hydrated aids in:
- Distribution of healthy nutrients
- Elimination of waste
- Maintenance of a healthy shine on your skin
- Movement of your muscles
And, especially if it’s fluoridated, drinking water is beneficial to your teeth’s health.
Drinking fluoridated water, sometimes known as ‘NATURE’S CAVITY FIGHTER’, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent cavities. Water also aids in the removal of food particles and maintains a healthy quantity of saliva.
2- Cheese
For a variety of reasons, cheese is one of the healthiest foods for strong and healthy teeth. These reasons include:
It’s low in sugar and high in calcium. It contains casein, a protein that is very beneficial for strengthening tooth enamel. Cheese has a lot of calcium, which is good for bone health.
Cheese is also high in phosphate, which helps to maintain tooth enamel by balancing pH levels in the mouth. Another reason cheese is good for our teeth is that chewing it boosts saliva production, which aids in the removal of microorganisms from the mouth.
3- Milk
Aside from fluoridated water, milk is another finest drink for your teeth. It’s high in calcium and other essential minerals. Milk, like cheese, decreases acid levels in the mouth, which aids in the prevention of tooth decay.
Know more about the health benefits of milk.
4- Yogurt
Moving next to healthy foods for teeth is yogurt. It is high in calcium and probiotics, which help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Simply choose unsweetened or sugar-free yoghurt and sweeten it with a pinch of sugar or honey.
5- Leafy Greens
Vegetables should be a mainstay in your diet because they provide numerous health advantages while being light and low in calories. Leafy greens are high in vitamins and minerals, and they aid in the production of saliva, which helps to keep your mouth clean and your enamel healthy.
Furthermore, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin B are abundant in leafy greens, all of which are beneficial to your health.
Some examples of leafy greens include kale, spinach, chard, and collard greens. These lush greens are simple to incorporate into a salad or smoothie.
6- Carrots
Carrots are one of the best cavity-fighting veggies, in addition to being high in nutrients. Carrots are high in vitamin C, calcium, and keratins, all of which are good for your teeth. In addition, carrots, when coupled with saliva, aid in the removal of stain-causing microorganisms and food particles.
7- Apples and Pears
Will an apple a day also keep the dentist at bay? Perhaps not, but it will undoubtedly assist.
Eating apples or other hard fibrous fruits can help clean your teeth while also increasing salivation, which can help neutralise the citric and malic acids left in your mouth.
Also raw pears are an excellent choice as healthy foods for teeth. Unlike many acidic fruits, pears benefits include helping to neutralise acids in your mouth that cause decay.
8- Nuts and Lean Protein
Do you want to munch on crunchy snacks? Substitute almonds and other nuts for chips, and fill your plate with lean proteins like meat, fish, chicken, and tofu, as well as staples like leafy greens, eggs, and beans every mealtime.
These meals are abundant in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, which are important nutrients and minerals for dental health since they keep teeth and jawbones strong.
These also aid in the rebuilding and healing of worn-out tissues, as well as the maintenance of pH levels in the mouth, which inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
9- Tea and Coffee
Have you ever heard of polyphenols? Polyphenols are a group of compounds found naturally in a variety of foods and beverages, including teas and coffee.
Teas, both green and black have a variety of other health advantages. Because of its powerful bacteria and disease-fighting antioxidants, they have the ability to protect teeth by preventing plaque from attaching to them.
What’s more? Fluoride, which prevents tooth decay and strengthens enamel, is commonly found in teas.
10- Meat
Chewing meat produces saliva. More saliva is beneficial because it reduces acidity in the mouth and washes away food particles that cause decay. You can consume red meat, as well as organ meats, as healthy foods for teeth.
11- Fatty Fish
Fatty fish (such as salmon) are high in phosphorus, a crucial mineral for dental enamel protection. Fatty fish are also high in omega-3s and a sneaky source of vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption so that the mineral can do its job of protecting and strengthening teeth.
Take Away!
Remember that, in addition to eating foods for strong and healthy teeth, brushing your teeth twice a day is still crucial. Also, if you eat something that gets trapped between your teeth, try to get it cleaned before going to bed because our bodies, including our teeth, are in repair mode while we sleep.
Make an appointment with one of the best dentists near you via Healthwire.pk and get a checkup on your oral health.
