If you want to ensure a healthy mouth with minimal tooth decay, brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly may not be enough. You’ll also have to modify your diet. Most people know that if you want to prevent your teeth from going bad you must stay away from sugar and acid. But, what many don’t know is that you can also incorporate certain foods into your diet that will strengthen the teeth and gums. Here are the kinds of foods that are best:
Foods high in calcium and phosphorous.
Consuming these foods will keep your teeth strong. Great sources of calcium include: yogurt, seafood, tofu, milk and almonds. Great sources of phosphorous include pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, eggs, tofu and fish.
Foods that are firm, crunchy and high in water.
Eating foods that are naturally abrasive help to gently scrub and clean teeth such as celery, cucumbers and carrots.
Foods rich in vitamin D and vitamin C.
Vitamin C is good for your gums so it isn’t susceptible to bacteria while vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium.
9 Top foods for healthy teeth and gums include:
- Water: It’s not a food, but it is important for consumption. It helps to wash away food debris and it won’t harm or stain the teeth.
- Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli: Green foods like these are rich in calcium, folic acid and other important minerals that teeth thrive on.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are rich in polyphenols which fight plaque and are good at stopping plaque formation.
- Strawberries: This red fruit is packed with vitamin C and is good as a natural teeth whitener.
- Garlic: Garlic contains allicin which is strong in antimicrobial properties. This helps to fight tooth decay.
- Onions: Raw onions contain properties that fight against bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease.
- Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms contain lentinan, which disrupts plaque on the teeth.
- Celery: It is the closest viewed so far to natural floss.
- Sweet potatoes: Good for the enamel of your teeth.
Incorporate more of these foods into your diet along with regular dental hygiene and you will have a healthy long lasting smile.
READ MORE: The 30 Best Foods For Healthy Teeth and Gums
