We normally think about what we eat in terms of what’s bad for us: candy, soda, sticky food like caramel—you know the drill. But did you know there are some foods that are actually good for your teeth? That’s right! Here are 5 tasty foods you can eat that will actually benefit your dental health:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Leafy Greens
Apples contain a lot of water, which make them a great way to keep you hydrated while simultaneously helping to wash away bacteria that cause decay. As you know, eating an apple also involves a lot of chewing, and if you crunch on one at the end of a meal it can give your teeth and gums a good, natural scrubbing.
You know carrots are full of crunch— that’s fairly obvious. But did you know that all that chewing is great for saliva production? The more moisture in your mouth, the harder it is for bad bacteria to make it their home. Carrots, like apples, also scrub your teeth clean.
Cheese is great for your teeth because it contains many important nutrients, like calcium and protein, which help strengthen tooth enamel so your teeth are less easily damaged.
Like cheese, yogurt is also high in calcium and protein. And as you might already know, yogurt contains probiotics, which are microorganisms that help prevent cavities by replacing bad bacteria that cause decay. But if your yogurt contains sugar or flavorings it won’t be as healthy, so make sure to choose a plain flavor with no added sugar.
Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and rapini (also known as broccoli rabe) are high in vitamins and minerals including calcium and folic acid, a type of vitamin B. Besides eating them raw in salads, leafy greens are a great addition to smoothies. You won’t even know you’re eating them!
So next time you’re reaching for a snack, remember that by choosing fresh produce and dairy, you can be doing something good for your overall health and your dental health at the same time. If you have additional questions about your oral health, contact our friendly team to learn more!
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