What type of foods are good for your teeth?

Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing are dental rituals that make your teeth clean and cavity-free. They are the daily routine that you have to follow religiously. However, they are not the only way to have a healthy teeth and gums. The foods you eat contributes well to the quality of your teeth especially when you reach old age. This means, that good nutrition is not only for the general health, but you also have to take into consideration the benefits that your teeth will get from it. So here are the best foods for your teeth and why:

Whole grains for whole and healthy gums

Whole Grains

Whole grains have lots of benefits for our overall health. One of the well-known benefits that is talked about all the time are to lower cholesterol levels in your blood. But what benefits do they have for your oral health? Whole grains are rich in iron and Vitamin B, which helps in  keeping your gums healthy. A Canadian study at McMaster University of 34,000 men who ate 3 servings of whole grains daily, had 23% less occurrence of periodontal disease or gum disease. Examples of whole grain food are brown rice, whole wheat bread and oats.

Beta-carotene in carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes

Beta carotene is popular for its effect on the eyes and skin. It is rich in anti-oxidants and is known as pro vitamin A because it produces many units of vitamin A when it is processed in the body. Vitamin A is needed in building strong bones and teeth.

High fiber food

High Fiber Foods
Photo by Gila Brand

Examples of these are celery, strawberry, green and leafy vegetables. The fibers are low in sugar. Thus, there is no need to worry about developing cavities on your teeth. Not only that, but they also contain a lot of water which washes the mouth from food debris and removing bacteria.

Dairy products to rebuild enamel

Milk and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are the best in maintaining strong teeth. They contain a lot of calcium which is a mineral that helps rebuild and preserve the enamel. The calcium can be deposited in the hard tissues like the bones and teeth, so that when you grow old, your teeth will remain strong. So, start filling your calcium bank while your body can assimilate it. Calcium also helps in our production of saliva and the more saliva we have, the less chances of developing cavities.

Go bananas on bananas

Banana has a lot of potassium in it. Potassium is important in calcium absorption. Your body will waste a lot of calcium if there is no potassium to aid it. Eat plenty of bananas so that all of the calcium that you drink from your glass of milk will go to your bones and teeth, not be excreted out of your body. You have to be smart about your nutrition,

No soda, please!

Soft Drinks/ Sodas

Sodas can make your teeth brittle. This is because of the acidity it has and also the sugary ingredient. Instead of sodas and energy drinks, take water instead to quench your thirst, wash your mouth and keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride fortified water is the best than distilled.

Foods high in protein

Protein as we know is a must nutrition because it is very important for our muscles, but did you know it that it is rich in phosphorous which will help maintain strong tooth enamel? Not only that, but it also helps with balancing the pH of the mouth which will reduced the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Maintaining the health of your teeth is as important as maintaining your over-all health. Keeping an eye on healthy foods in your nutrition is one of the factors that make your teeth strong. Say no to junk foods and open your options to high fiber, high protein, and more on natural food.     

By: Ladan Zinati