The feeling you get after a visit to the dentist can give your peace of mind and dental health a boost. Well, unless you come away with a hefty bill, that is. But there are ways to avoid running into these problems. This blog post will review some of the best foods for your teeth as well as some foods which can do more harm than good to them. Read on to learn more about which foods can help.
Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help the body maintain good heart health but they also act as a natural mouthwash. Omega-3s prevent the build-up of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay.
Garlic is widely known for its antifungal and antibacterial qualities. The pungent smell emitted from garlic when it's chopped also prevents food particles from sticking to the teeth and reducing tartar buildup.
Plus, high levels of allicin in garlic work as an antimicrobial agent, killing harmful bacteria that cause cavities. And since you probably know that garlic is good for you but don't always eat it, having a jar nearby at all times should be a habit.
Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen, the building block of healthy teeth and gums. Encourage your kids to eat tomatoes by giving them a tomato with their daily meals.
In addition to bone strengthening effects, tomatoes contain lycopene and beta-carotene which protect from various diseases including cancer and heart disease. And lycopene is another antioxidant that strengthens teeth as well as combats plaque buildup and protects against tooth decay.
Berries have been shown to improve oral health by reducing plaque buildup. The antioxidants in berries, such as ascorbic acid and chromium, are also important for healthy teeth and gums. Berries contain vitamins C and D which are necessary for the body to absorb the minerals in salt, gum, and fluoride that help prevent tooth decay.
The high amounts of fiber in berries will also neutralize acid and help prevent cavities from forming on your teeth.
Yogurt has been known for its ability to fight plaque buildup due to acidophilus bacteria which are found in the yogurt's culture. The acidophilus in milk and yogurt may also help prevent cavities! Yogurt is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that help to keep teeth healthy.
Salmon is considered the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. There are a couple of omega-3 fatty acids which are present in various foods but salmon is high in DHA which helps to reduce plaque buildup by replacing tooth mineral loss. And there's the added bonus of it being high in protein which can keep you full longer and reduce sugar cravings.
Walnuts are a rich source of antioxidants. The fiber in walnuts helps to keep the bacteria away from your teeth and gums, which can help protect them from plaque buildup and tooth decay. The top three nutrients in walnuts are vitamin E, copper, and zinc.
Vitamin E is essential for the body's ability to absorb copper, which helps to make sure that strong blood vessels are formed in order to fight off any damage from tooth decay.
Tea is not only good to drink, but it can be good for your teeth and gums as well. Tea contains tannic acid which deters tooth decay by acting against bacterial growth. But the fact that you might want to brush your teeth after drinking tea can result in a sticky mouth which leads to more plaque buildup and more cavities, so remember to rinse with water when you're done.
