Foods that Strengthen Your Teeth
What you eat can affect your whole body, including your pearly whites. So, if you want to strengthen your teeth, and keep them strong for years to come, it’s wise to improve your diet by adding plenty of foods that contain nutrients that are great for your chompers.
What are some of the foods to focus on when you want to eat in a way that will help you impress your dentist at your next checkup? We’ve got you covered with a handy list to help you get started.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Eating more calcium-rich foods is a smart move when you want to maintain the strength of your teeth. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, which boast calcium and protein, are some good choices.
If you don’t eat dairy, or you just want more variety in your diet, you can also get calcium from other sources, such as almonds, calcium-fortified tofu or plant-based milks, and leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Foods That Are Sources of Vitamin C and Phosphorus
You’re probably already aware that vitamin C can help support your immune system, but did you know that it can also help when it comes to maintaining the strength of your pearly whites? This important vitamin can support the health of your gums, and it’s easy to get from a wide range of foods, from spinach and broccoli, to tomatoes and citrus fruits.
Phosphorus is a mineral that can help support strong teeth, too, and you can get it from a variety of foods as well. Examples include seafood, dairy, and lean meats, as well as whole grains, soy, lentils, beans, seeds, and nuts.
Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Satisfy your craving for something sweet by enjoying fresh fruits, such as apples, that have a crunchy texture that can help clean your teeth. And when you want a healthy snack, you can also dig into some raw vegetables, like carrots and celery, that will cause your mouth to produce more saliva while you chew.
Because of the texture of raw fruits and veggies, and the fact that they promote saliva production because they require quite a bit of chewing, you’ll be enjoying foods that naturally help cleanse teeth and gums. Plus, when you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, you’re also getting many vitamins and minerals that promote the health of your whole mouth.
Don’t Forget About Tooth-Friendly Beverages!
It should come as no surprise that sugary beverages are a big no-no when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. But if you get bored with plain water, you can switch things up with some green tea or black tea. These may help fight bacteria and plaque, thanks to their antioxidants and polyphenols.
A Delicious Diet Can Help You Keep Your Teeth Looking Great!
Following a healthy diet can help you keep your teeth and gums strong, clean, and healthy. But don’t forget that it’s also super important to follow a consistent brushing and flossing routine at home, and to make regular trips to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings. After all, you won’t know how well your diet is working until your dentist examines your mouth and takes some X-rays to look for cavities.
Worried about being able to afford dental appointments? To be sure you can get all of the care you need, and all of the advice you need when it comes to eating right for your teeth and gums, sign up for a Spirit Dental plan that’ll have your back and help you save money!
Sources:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062
https://www.listerine.com/cavities-strong-teeth/foods-strong-teeth
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-phosphorus
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117434&page=1