Posted by Dr. Abeyta on Dec 22 2015, 04:09 AM
Cheese and milk are excellent teeth-friendly snacks. Since they’re practically liquid, they stick to your teeth for a long time, making it easy to scrub away food particles and other debris. Both types of food are also low in acidity, which plays an important role in oral health.
When your mouth is acidic, your teeth become more susceptible to demineralization and decay. Cheese and milk are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which protect tooth enamel from demineralization.
Green vegetables are good for teeth, especially celery. Just chewing celery can naturally clean your teeth. This crunchy vegetable contains a lot of water, which can help clean your teeth of debris as you chew.
Keep nuts as an occasional snack. They are high in calories and fat, but they contain phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, which are good for your oral health.
Nuts may help decrease your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. They’re also full of healthy antioxidants.
Seafood is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. It’s also low in fat and high in protein. That’s good news for both your mouth and your body.
The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood have anti-inflammatory properties. That can help reduce inflammation in your gums. It also reduces your risk of developing gum disease.
The minerals in seafood help to keep your teeth strong and healthy. The protein helps your body repair and rebuild tissues and cells.
Shellfish and red meat can also be beneficial for your teeth. Both are high in iron, which your body uses to create new cells, including red blood cells. That’s important for your oral health because red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body.
Without oxygen, your tooth enamel cannot do its job. Your enamel protects your teeth from bacteria and acids.
Lean meat is high in protein. While not all proteins are the same, meat and dairy contain amino acids that your body can use to make collagen. The collagen in your gums helps to keep them strong and healthy.
However, meat proteins are not the only thing that can strengthen your gums. Dairy products also contain important proteins.
Chewing gum with xylitol can actually help reduce plaque and cavities. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that fights bacteria. It can also help promote saliva production.
Chewing gum with xylitol doesn’t contain sugar, so it can help fight tooth decay. Some of the gums available have the added benefits of whitening, breath freshening, or strengthening enamel.
Water is, without a doubt, the best beverage for your teeth. Water helps to keep the pH balance of your mouth in-check, which prevents tooth erosion. Also, water does not have any sugar or acid, both of which contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, water doesn’t have any calories, which could otherwise contribute to weight gain.