01/04/2016
AN APPLE A DAY REALLY CAN KEEP TOOTH DECAY AT BAY!!
30 Great Foods For Healthy Teeth
1) Cheese
Do you like cheddar? It’s rich in calcium. In addition, cheese lowers the acid level in your mouth, which plague hates it for. What’s more, chewing on hard cheeses increases saliva production, which washes off some of the bacteria in the mouth. Want to munch on some not-so-goo-for-your-teeth snacks like crackers – add some cheddar and you’ll mitigate the damage. Just remember, hard, aged cheeses are the best options.
2) Milk
Together with water, milk is the best drink when it comes to your teeth. It’s rich in calcium and other important elements. Milk also lowers the acid levels in the mouth, which helps fighting tooth decay.
3) Water
Your teeth’s superhero! Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your saliva levels high. Saliva is actually your mouth's best defence against tooth decay because it contains proteins and minerals that naturally fight plaque and if you stay hydrated, you have an unlimited supply of it.
4) Leafy greens (spinach, broccoli, kale)
Super healthy, leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid and lots of important vitamins and minerals that your teeth and gums love.
5) Fish (fatty fishes, wild salmon, tuna)
Rich in minerals and important vitamins like Vitamin D, fish are a crucial part of any teeth-friendly diet.
6) Meat
Most meats are great for your oral health. They are packed with some of the most important nutrients mentioned above. Red meat and even organ meats are especially beneficial.
7) Black and Green Tea
Think polyphenols! Polyphenols have been known to reduce bacteria and toxic products of bacteria in the mouth. Tea also tends to be rich in fluoride, which is a well known necessity for healthy teeth. It’s best if you drink it unsweetened as sugar and even honey could ruin the party.
8) Nuts
Nuts are full of health benefits for your teeth. They are packed with tons of important elements like calcium and phosphorus. Especially beneficial are almonds, Brazil nuts and cashews, which help to fight bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
9) Gum
This one is a no-brainer. Chewing gum boosts saliva production, washing away bacteria and food particles.
10) Cranberries (fresh)
Rich in polyphenols (just like tea), which keeps plaque at bay, thus lowering the risk of cavities. Fresh cranberries are especially effective at disrupting the process of plaque formation.
11) Oranges
Most citrus fruits are really acidic, which is not good for your teeth, but oranges are least acidic of all, and have all the health benefits that you can expect from fruits.
12) Strawberries
If you want perfect teeth, you better love strawberries! They are packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants and also Malic acid, which could even naturally whiten your teeth.
13) Yogurt
Yogurt definitely ticks more than one good box for your oral health. It’s packed with calcium and probiotics that protect you against cavities, gum disease and even bad breath.
14) Carrots
Carrots are so tasty and full of tons of the most important minerals and vitamins for your mouth that they deserve a special mention. No wonder Bugs Bunny has perfect teeth.
15) Apples
Will an apple a day keep the dentist away? Probably not, but it will certainly help. It’s packed with key nutrients and vitamins.
16) Garlic
The allicin that is contained in garlic has strong antimicrobialproperties . So, it helps you fight tooth decay and especially periodontal disease.
17) Ginger
Ginger is amazing in many ways. When it comes to oral health it might freshen your breath and inhibit bacteria growth.
18) Whole grains
Consumption of whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice) lowers the risk of gum disease.
19) Pears
Unlike many acidic fruits, raw pears are good at neutralising acids, which makes them a perfect snack at any time.
20) Kiwis
Kiwis have one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C.
21) Onions
When eaten raw, onions have powerful antibacterial properties especially against some of the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease.
22) Shiitake mushrooms
These tasty Asian goodies are plague’s nightmare. They contain lentinan, a natural sugar that disrupts the formation of plaque on your teeth.
23) Celery
Celery is so good for your teeth it’s worth a special mention. It’s in many ways the perfect snack for good oral health and is the closest we have to nature’s floss.
24) Soy
A diet that includes soy may help promote healthy gums.
25) Wasabi
Sushi just got better for your teeth! There is some evidence wasabi stops bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
26) Sesame seeds
High in calcium and very efficient at scrubbing plaque off your teeth while you chew them.
27) Sweet potatoes
A healthy dose of vitamin A will do lots of good things for your enamel and gums.
28) Raisins
This is a surprise entry, as raisins even appear as the bad guys in some places when it comes to their effect on teeth. However, they are a source of phytochemicals like oleanolic, which may kill cavity-causing bacteria. They are also rich in antioxidants.
29) Black coffee
An even more surprise entry! However, a series of recent studies have shown that black coffee could protect your teeth from tooth decay and actually help fight plaque. There of course is a small catch, the coffee needs to be black and unsweetened.
30) Red wine
Wait a second! Haven’t we been told hundreds of times to avoid red wine in order to protect our teeth? Well, yes…and no! According to a recent study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a glass of red wine can have a strong antimicrobial effect against cavities causing bacteria.
Finally, when possible always try to brush and floss your teeth after eating! Removing any debris will assist in eliminating the risk of acid and plaque build up and remove bacteria, a main cause decay!
Always make your regular Dental Check Ups!!
Respect your teeth and they can last a lifetime!
