Top 3 Food Groups that are Good for Your Teeth
Food plays a vital role in our oral health. Acidic citrus fruits, sticky candies, soda, and coffee are just some of the food that badly affect the tooth enamel and even the strength of your teeth.
Citrus fruits like grapefruit and lemon are highly acidic causing the tooth enamel to erode. In addition, extra-chewy candies like caramel and taffy candies can leave deposited sugar residue on your teeth leaving behind cavity causing bacteria.
Meanwhile, soda contains citric and phosphoric acids that can damage your teeth more than sugar. Coffee stains teeth after drinking a cup or two, and the stains are hard to remove even when brushing regularly.
This doesn’t mean that you are not allowed to eat citrus fruits or drink soda, you just need to be mindful of what to eat to keep your teeth healthy. To help you out, we have listed down three food groups that are good for your teeth:
Dairy Products
Milk is rich in both calcium and phosphorus. Calcium contains hydroxyapatite which strengthens the tooth enamel just like what it does to your bones. Phosphorus is another component of dairy products that helps on remineralizing teeth or the natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids. On the other hand, yogurt with no added sugar is also a dairy product that contains probiotics (good bacteria) that can outnumber the bacteria that causes cavities.
All-time favourite cheese is not just a tasty delight but also a healthy food for your teeth. It contains caseins that is responsible for stabilizing and repairing the tooth enamel alongside calcium. Also, according to the study published in the May/June 2013 edition of General Dentistry Journal of American Academy of General Dentistry, eating cheese may raise the pH in a subject’s mouth which has lowered tooth decay.
Crunchy Fruits and Strawberries
Apple and pears are rich in fiber and water. Chewing fibrous fruits like apples and pears induces saliva production that helps rinse bacteria and food residue that causes cavity. Almonds are also a good source of calcium and protein and is also low in sugar.
Strawberries contains malic acid that is known to be the nature’s gift for whitening the tooth enamel. Mix the crushed strawberry with baking soda and spread it on your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and let it stay there for five minutes. Afterwards, brush it off and rinse for a whiter teeth.
Fibrous and leafy-green veggies
Spinach, broccoli, and kale are good sources of vitamins and minerals as well as calcium. Chewing veggies after every meal also induces saliva production. Spinach and broccoli takes care of cavities, while celery has Vitamin A and C to keep your gums healthy. Moreover, fibrous vegetables like carrots are also high in fibre and vitamin A.
Aside from eating these healthy foods, brushing your teeth regularly is also a must. (See our previous blog about Choosing the Right Toothbrush For You)
Floss at least once a day and use a mouth rinse daily to make sure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleaning.
Looking for the best dentist based in Makati? Turn to Dr. Rowena Marzo of Marzo Dental Clinic who can give you the best quality, safe, and efficient dental services. Book for a consultation now! Call (632) 843 7125, (632) 886 6498 or (632) 819 6032.
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