Healthy and beautiful smiles can be achieved if you are going to maintain healthy teeth. Most people are wondering about the simplest and most natural ways to care for their teeth. You do not really have to spend much money just to make sure that you will be able to maintain healthy teeth as you grow older. There are different ways on how you can easily care for your oral health even if you have a very busy schedule.
One of the factors that you always have to check if you want to have healthy teeth is your diet. Everything that you eat will certainly have either a positive or negative effect on your teeth. This is why you need to be very careful in choosing the foods that you will be adding to your plate. To help you maintain healthy teeth, here are some of the best foods that you should be eating:
1. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
The American Dental Association (ADA) has provided in their report that foods that are rich in fiber are good for the teeth and gums. This is because of how it can act to clean the teeth and how it can get the saliva flowing.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables and the best foods that you can use to naturally defend your teeth and gums from cavities. This way, you will also be able to avoid gum diseases.
As it maintains the flow of saliva, you will be able to restore the minerals that are lost from the parts of your teeth that were affected by the acids caused by bacteria.
2. Food with fluoride
One of the best ways to consume fluoride is to look for fluoridated drinking water. It will not only help you remain hydrated but it can also help strengthen your teeth. There are also other foods like poultry products, powdered cereals and others that can be the source of fluoride.
Aside from these, there are also powdered juices and soups that can supply you with fluoride. Just make sure that they do not contain too much sugar because it will definitely defeat the purpose.
3. Drink green tea
There are different benefits that you will be able to get from green tea and one of which is stronger teeth. With this, you should consider this option aside from the best teeth whitening products. Green tea has polyphenols that can be helpful in dealing with plaque bacteria. It kills bacteria and prevents it from attacking the teeth.
4. Calcium-rich foods
If you want to have strong teeth, you should consider eating calcium-rich foods. This includes cheese, yogurt, tofu, almonds, fat-free milk, salmon and even green leafy vegetables. This will not only strengthen your teeth but also your bones.
5. Cranberries and raisins (Fresh or sugar-free)
Whenever you drink cranberry juice, you are also protecting your teeth from cavities that tend to actually cling to the surface of the teeth. This is also the same effect that you get when you eat raisins. It can help you stop the growth of bacteria that are causing gum diseases.
6. Shiitake mushrooms
It has been proven by researchers that shiitake mushroom is one of the solutions in killing off the bacteria that are causing gingivitis. And what makes it better than another option is the fact that it does not eliminate good bacteria.
7. Firm, crunchy foods high in water
There are some foods that contain at least 85% water and these are great in hydrating yourself and in making sure that your teeth are clean and strong. Cucumber, celery and romaine lettuce are just a few of these firm and crunchy foods that are also high in water. These can be very helpful in eliminating food debris from your teeth.
8. Foods containing probiotics
Improving oral health needs the participation of probiotics. Yogurt is the best source of this but you can also get it from different food like kimchi, pickles, miso and fermented probiotic milk drink. Sourdough and other cheese also have this component.
9. Cheese and other dairy foods
Your teeth need casein protein for it to be able to repair enamel and to stabilize the teeth. With this, you should know that this specific type of protein can be best extracted from dairy products including cheese. However, you also need to consider that not all cheese really contains high calcium. This is why it is important to check the label before purchasing.
10. Cheese, milk, plain yogurt and other dairy products
One of the best features of cheese is that it does not contain much sugar and it is high in calcium. Aside from that, it is also a good source of casein, a type of protein that can help fortify your tooth enamel.
Milk, on the other hand, can help lower the acid levels and fights tooth decay. And lastly, the calcium and probiotics found in yogurt are perfect in fighting against gum disease and cavities.
It should be noted that most of the foods that are on the list are natural and they can be easily be purchased even in your local stores and markets. In caring for your teeth, you have to realize that aside from the regular activities such as brushing and flossing, there are other ways that are natural and easy. Choosing the food that will not only give your body the nourishment it needs but also provides your teeth with the nutrient and strength it needs should be your priority.
Always remember that your teeth will not only give you that perfect smile but it is also a manifestation of your overall health. If your teeth are strong, you would also be able to know that you are holistically healthy. All the foods that are recommended for stronger teeth are also food to the body because of the nutrients and minerals that they contain. So, instead of eating starchy, very sweet and junk food, you have to start evaluating your eating habits. Make sure that whatever you eat will be adding to your overall health and the strength of your teeth.
Janice Thompson is a nutritionist. She loves to share her healthy lifestyle and diet tips.
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