Dentists talk a lot about foods to avoid to keep your teeth healthy, but what about foods to incorporate into your diet to keep your smile sparkling?
Just like there are foods that will negatively impact your dental health, there are foods that will strengthen your teeth. Keep reading to learn more about what makes teeth stronger.
1. Apples
Apples are high in fiber and water, which are good for your oral health as well as your overall health. Eating an apple stimulates your gums and also produces saliva, which rinses away food particles and bacteria.
You can even use an apple or apple slices to fill in for a proper tooth brushing until you can get to a sink. Bring apples as your “dessert” and give your teeth a quick clean after you finish your lunch.
2. Almonds
Almonds are a quick and easy snack and also easy to add to a meal, such as in a stir-fry or a salad. They provide a good source of calcium and protein and don’t have a lot of sugar.
They can be hard on your teeth, so you can always opt for slivered or sliced almonds too.
3. Cheese and Yogurt
Good news for cheese lovers. Cheese raises the pH in our mouths and reduces the risk of decay. It also contains calcium and protein, essential nutrients to strengthen tooth enamel.
Yogurt also contains calcium and protein but also has the added benefit of probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to your health. These “good” bacteria help keep your gut healthy, but they also can push out the “bad” bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Be careful though, as many yogurts have added sugar. Pick one that is sugar-free or has a low sugar content to maximize the benefits.
4. Leafy Greens
The benefit of leafy greens to pretty much every aspect of our health cannot be understated, and teeth are no exception. Greens, such as kale and spinach, are high in calcium and folic acid. The calcium strengthens tooth enamel and folic acid can be beneficial in treating gum disease, especially in pregnant women.
Eat them in a salad, saute them as a side to your meal, or toss a handful in your morning smoothie. You won’t even taste them (although they might give your smoothing an interesting green color).
5. Chocolate
Yes, that’s right. Chocolate can actually benefit your oral health, provided it’s low-sugar, organic dark chocolate. Chocolate made from at least 70% cocoa is beneficial because it contains a nutrient called CBH, which prevents decay.
Unfortunately, your favorite Hershey bar or Reese’s Cups don’t fit the bill, but you can still enjoy a little dark chocolate and know that you’re benefiting from it.
Sometimes no matter how hard you try to keep your teeth healthy, things happen. Many of us are prone to gum disease and decay. If this sounds like you and you’re not happy with your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help you get a smile that you’re proud to show off.
What Makes Teeth Stronger: 5 Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet
Now that you know what makes teeth stronger, you can make some small changes to your diet. Even better is that these foods are benefitting your overall health, not just your oral health.
For more on health, wellness, and healthy living check out some of our other articles.