One of the main factors impacting dental health is our diet. Although you may not think of it, what you eat and drink can fortify or weaken your teeth. We recommend the following food for strong teeth.
Fruit
Both apples and pears act as a natural toothbrush, increasing saliva flow, which prevents cavity buildup. Pears also have a neutralizing effect on tooth surfaces. Kiwis, on the other hand, contain large amounts of vitamin C, which strengthens gums and prevents gum infections.
Vegetables
Similar to apples and pears, celery also helps produce more saliva in the mouth. Leafy greens contain calcium, which helps produce an alkaline effect in the body and both strengthen and promote bone growth. Raw onions, although maybe not the most appetizing, will eliminate harmful mouth bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Dairy
Both milk and cheese products are excellent for your teeth. Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for overall bone health, while cheese contains casein to strengthen the tooth’s surface.
Grains
Whole grains, which are largely praised for their health-promoting qualities, are also good for strengthening your teeth. Rich in magnesium, they help calcium absorb into bones so the bones can stay strong. Ragi, also known as finger millet and popular in Africa and Asia, also contains high levels of calcium.
Fish
If you are a fan of seafood, you’ll want to prioritize sardines, which is high in calcium and vitamin D, and salmon, which is also high in vitamin D and contains omega 3 fatty acids.
Vegetarian Protein
For those who may prefer vegetarian sources of protein, tofu and pulses are excellent for the teeth. Tofu contains calcium, protein, vitamin K and magnesium, while pulses are especially rich in calcium.
Other
Chocolate lovers will be happy to know that cocoa is known to prevent erosion and tooth decay. Gum chewers can switch to sugar-free gum to prevent tooth decay and strengthen the jaw. And everyone could sprinkle a few more sesame seeds into their meals to dissolve plaque and build tooth enamel.
Beverages
Of course, tooth strength is not just about what we eat, but what we drink as well! To round out your strong tooth goals, try water, orange juice and soy milk. Water helps clear toxins that could lead to tooth decay and produce saliva that deposits minerals on the teeth. Orange juice contains vitamins, minerals and calcium, and is a great alternative to milk if lactose is a problem. Finally, soy milk also contains high levels of calcium in a form that can be easily absorbed by the bones.
At University Centre Dental Associates, we pride ourselves on helping our patients maintain the strong, healthy teeth they desire. Located in Greenbelt, MD, we are only a short drive from Washington, DC, Bowie, MD, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County. If you are seeking high-quality dental advice you can trust, do not hesitate to contact us.
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