They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know it can keep the dentist at bay as well? We all know what not to eat to keep our pearly whites healthy (we’re looking at you, sugar), but not everyone knows that there are several foods that are good for your teeth. Certain foods benefit your teeth by stimulating saliva, neutralising acid, providing vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for tooth enamel. Including the following foods in your diet will help keep your teeth in tip-top condition.
Certain foods benefit your teeth by stimulating saliva, neutralising acid, and providing minerals that are favourable for tooth enamel.
1. Cheese
Eating cheese lowers the acid levels in your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium, which plays an essential role in strengthening and protecting tooth enamel, as it replaces minerals acid has leached away. Plus, eating calcium-rich foods will help strengthen your bones, which is good news for your jaw.
2. Apples
Taking a big bite out of a crunchy apple can help clean your teeth. Chewing firm fruits, like apples and pears scrubs away food particles while boosting the flow of saliva, which protects your teeth from acid and washes away bacteria. Although munching on fibrous foods is no replacement for brushing your teeth, snacking in moderation on apples or similar fruits may help defend your teeth against cavities between brushing.
3. Leafy greens
Here is just one more reason to eat your greens: leafy greens are excellent for your oral health. Vegetables like spinach and kale are high in calcium, folic acid, and vitamin A, all of which are great for tooth enamel. Leafy vegetables are also rich in fibre, so, like apples, they can clean your teeth by getting rid of food particles. Eating lots of fibre also happens to be great for your gums, helping to fight dreaded gum disease.
4. Almonds
Nuts are nature’s little parcels of mineral goodness. Almonds in particular contain high levels of tooth-building calcium, as well as gum-stimulating fibre. Being fibrous, you have to chew a lot while eating almonds, triggering protective saliva. Eating whole almonds can be rough on your teeth, though, so if you have concerns about biting into hard nuts, buy slivered almonds.
Apples aren’t just good for your teacher – they are great for your teeth, too.These four foods are beneficial for your teeth, but they are no substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups with your dentist. If you haven’t been in to see us for a while, make an appointment online now!