
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing that can help to maintain good oral health. The food and drink we put in our bodies can also have a big impact. In this article, we’ll discuss our top ten best foods for healthy teeth and the benefits that come with each.
Top 10 Best Foods for Dental Health
1. Crunchy Vegetables
Vegetables have a range of health benefits and are an important part of our diet. Crunchy vegetables, in particular, are also great for our teeth, as they help to scrub away food particles and bacteria, as well as cleanse the tooth’s surface by stimulating the flow of saliva.
Carrots, for example, are brilliant cavity-fighting vegetables and include a variety of beneficial nutrients including vitamin C, calcium and keratin. Celery is another important crunchy vegetable and has been proven as an effective teeth cleaner.
2. Water
Drinking enough water is essential, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients and keep muscles moving. Drinking water also helps teeth stay healthy, especially if it’s fluoridated. Fluoride water is one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities and will help wash away food particles and keep saliva levels high.
3. Cheese
Not only does cheese taste delicious, but it’s also great for dental health! Cheese is low in sugar and high in calcium, which helps to strengthen your teeth, and it contains casein, which is a protein that protects tooth enamel. Chewing cheese also increases saliva production, which helps to wash away bacteria in the mouth.
4. Apples and Pears
Eating fibrous fruits like apples can help clean teeth and increase saliva production, which works towards neutralising any damaging acids from our diets. Pears are also good for oral health, as they have a high water content that dilutes the sugar from their natural fruit sugars. Pears can help to satisfy your sugar cravings without the risk of cavities.
5. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens have many overall health benefits, as well as having a positive impact on your dental health. They are rich in calcium, folic acid, and other important minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums. Some of the best greens include kale, spinach and lettuce.
6. Nuts
Another food that can help keep our teeth healthy are nuts. The most beneficial types include cashews, almonds and Brazil nuts, as they are a great source of calcium D, and can help fight bacteria that leads to tooth decay. Nuts also provide a range of other nutrients including vitamins D, E, B6, iron and zinc.
7. Meat and Fish
Most meats offer important nutrients, and the chewing of meat produces saliva, which can wash away food particles that cause decay. Fatty fish (such as salmon) is also good for your teeth, as it contains phosphorus, which is a mineral that helps protect tooth enamel.
8. Green and Black Tea
Green and black tea contain polyphenols, which either kill or hold back bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from growing or making acid. Depending on the water you use to brew your tea, these hot beverages can also be a helpful source of fluoride.
9. Cranberries
Similarly to tea, fresh cranberries contain polyphenols that help to fight plaque build-up on the teeth, making them a great snack to promote good oral health. If you’re buying dried cranberries, however, it’s important to check the label for added sugar, as this can be harmful to your tooth enamel.
10. Strawberries
Vitamin C is very important for our teeth, and strawberries are packed with it. Vitamin C can help prevent cavities, tooth loss and gum disease as well as strengthen collagen found within the dentin layer. Strawberries also contain malic acid, which can naturally whiten your teeth.
Worst Food for Healthy Teeth
As well as knowing the foods that are good for your teeth, it’s also important to be aware of the ones that aren’t. Some examples include:
Sweets
Unsurprisingly, sweets are at the top of the list, particularly ones that don’t clear out of your mouth quickly. Lollipops and cough drops, for example, have refined sugar, so stay in your mouth for longer. If you are craving something sweet, try opting for chocolate instead, which you can chew quickly and wash away easily.
Carbonated Drinks
Cans of pop are often full of sugar, and enable plaque to produce more acid to attack the tooth enamel. It also dries out your mouth, which means you’re producing less saliva. Dark-coloured fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola can also stain or discolour your teeth.
Starchy Foods
Starchy foods such as soft bread and crisps can get trapped between the teeth and feeds the bacteria in the plaque. Try less-refined carbs like whole wheat, as they contain less added sugars and break down less easily.
Advice on Best Foods for Healthy Teeth at Aurora Dental
At Aurora Dental, we can provide you with advice and guidance on how best to care for your oral hygiene and health. Our friendly team of experts can assess your situation, and tell you the best course of action to take. We offer a range of services and treatments, including Airflow polishing, teeth whitening, and fillings.
Book an appointment today! Our clinics are based across Wiltshire, with locations in Chippenham, Corsham, Swindon and Devizes. Contact us today, or drop in for a chat.