Food That’s Good for Your Teeth

Whether we’re sitting down for dinner, digging through the fridge for a midnight snack or grabbing a quick bite to eat with some friends, our choice of foods are usually governed by our stomachs and our taste buds. Keeping a balanced diet may also come into play as well, but chances are most of us don’t really think a whole lot about what’s good for our teeth while browsing the menu.

But the fact is, there are is a plentiful array of great foods and drink that offer some superb benefits for your dental health. So the next time you dine, think about giving your teeth a little boost with these tasty (and healthy!) vittles.

Cheese

Here’s the thing about cheese that most people don’t know – it makes it really hard for plaque to prosper in your mouth. Cheese has a natural ability to raise the acidity in your mouth while increasing saliva production, making it tough on bacteria that have intentions on nibbling away your enamel. Cheese gets extra credit points for also being rich in calcium and protein – nutrients essential in strengthening your teeth.

Yogurt

Another calcium-rich dairy delight, Yogurt is naturally good for your teeth just based on nutrients alone. But it’s got another unique benefit that’s also great for your gums as well as your teeth – Probiotics. The good bacteria in probiotics make for bad company amidst the harmful microbes trying to make cavities, and often prevent them from growing or causing additional damage. Also, yogurt is super tasty – one of its best benefits – just try to avoid varieties with lots of sugar.

Green or Black Tea

Tasty treats that boost your teeth aren’t just limited to food. Drink your way to dental health with delicious green and black teas. This particular beverage contains unique, toxin-fighting micro-nutrients called polyphenols and help to mitigate bacterial growth in your mouth. Furthermore, tea has fluoride in it, adding even more protection against cavities.

Fish

For good dental health, you really want to look for the ‘fatty’ fishes like salmon. They’ve got lots of essential minerals in them, plus a healthy dose of Vitamin D. You really can’t go wrong with a good grilled salmon, and your teeth will thank you for it!

Meat

Sure, this is kind of a broad category, but most meats are an essential part of a healthy diet for you and your teeth. Red meats are especially beneficial due to the high protein and nutrients that strengthen your bones, muscles teeth and gums.

Leafy Greens

We’ve covered meat and dairy, it’s time we appeal to all you herbivores. Veggies like broccoli and spinach are packed with tons of great vitamins and minerals. Plus they’re a low calorie offering that fits nicely into just about any meal. Furthermore, leafy greens have folic acid which is widely known for numerous health benefits including oral health.

Milk

And of course, we can’t round out our list with anything but the most famous dental health consumable we all know and love – Milk. There’s a reason we drink lots of this stuff from infancy and on throughout most of our lives. We even produce milk to feed our young, making it pretty much a sure-fire nutritional powerhouse. Super rich in calcium and other vitamins, Milk strengthens our bones and teeth, fortifies our immune systems and it’s a great place to put cookies – for just a couple seconds before eating them.