What do you think of when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy? Brushing? Flossing? Using mouthwash or going to the dentist regularly? Probably. Something that might not spring to mind are foods. But what we put into our mouths every day is pivotal in making sure our teeth stay strong and healthy.
Check out this list of five foods that are good for your teeth. If they’re not in your current diet, add them if you want to keep them in the best possible condition…
1. Nuts
Different varieties of nuts are extremely good for your teeth for two main reasons – they contain both vitamins and minerals. These include cashew nuts which stimulate saliva, walnuts which are high in fibre and contain iron, folic acid and more, and peanuts which have calcium and vitamin D.
2. Fruit and vegetables
High-fibre fruit and vegetables such as corn, avocado, edamame (immature soybeans), pear, artichoke, raspberries, peas, broccoli and apples are extremely good for your teeth. They take longer to chew than some other foods meaning they’re great for producing saliva, while some of them can literally scrub your teeth while eating. Extremely fresh fruit and vegetables have high water content – this helps offset the sugar content.
3. Dairy products
Dairy foods are good for your teeth in lots of different ways. For a start, they’re rich in calcium. This helps replace minerals taken from teeth. Secondly, they contain phosphates which is a substance used as by dentists to treat incipient dental decay by remineralisation. Of all the dairy foods, cheese is particularly good as it helps produce saliva, but any of them will do as they’re all rich in vitamins.
4. Water
When it comes to oral hygiene, water is extremely important. It can be used to wash the mouth out from anything, it’s the main source of saliva and, if water is fluoridated, it helps prevent tooth decay.
5. Vitamins
Technically speaking vitamins aren’t a food, but once you get into the routine of taking them every day, your teeth will be all the better for it. The best ones for healthy teeth are vitamins A, C and D along with phosphorus and calcium.
