There are ways that you can ensure the health of your teeth. Nutrition and oral health have a connection that you may not know about. Everything that you eat passes through your teeth and gums, therefore the food you consume has an effect on your oral health. “What foods are good for your teeth?”, you might ask. Read on to find out.
Top 5 Foods That are Good for Teeth
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens are not only good for your body. Your teeth will certainly appreciate it when you consume these. Vegetables can help fight off bacteria that damage the enamel in your teeth which can lead to tooth decay. Examples of leafy greens are spinach, arugula, and kale.
2. Oranges and Grapefruit
Foods that are high in acid are not too good for the teeth. However, some citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges are beneficial for your oral health. Note that too much of everything is not good for you so it’s important to eat this in moderation.
3. Cacao Nibs
You’re probably wondering why this is one of the tooth-healthy foods. According to a study, chocolate with no sugar content like cacao nibs are effective in keeping bacteria and germs at bay. Cocoa has content called polyphenols that can kill cavity-causing germs and bacteria. It also creates a shield between plaque and teeth.
4. Dairy Products
Vitamin K2 is one of the needed vitamins to ensure the health of your teeth. Dairy products such as cheese and milk have high Vitamin K2 contents. Note that only those that are grass-fed can provide rich Vitamin K2 by-products. Other foods rich in Vitamin K2 include chicken, liver, eggs, and beef.
5. Fatty Fish
Another food that is good for your overall oral health is fatty fish. It is rich in Vitamin D that reduces the possibility of tooth decay. It is one of the components that strengthen the enamel in your teeth along with Vitamin A and Vitamin K2. Some of the fatty fish you can give a try are mackerel, trout, and tuna.
Top 5 Worst Foods for Teeth
1. Carbonated Drinks
Sugary drinks like soda, even the diet ones, have a huge amount of acid. This can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation. If you can’t live without the soda, it is best to drink it briefly. After that, drink water to serve as a shield between the acid and your teeth. The next best thing to do is brush your teeth after 45 minutes of consumption.
2. Crackers
If you love snacking on biscuits or crackers, this one is the worst food for your teeth. Bacteria in your teeth will only feed on the carbohydrates from crackers. From there, the bacteria will produce acid that can lead to plaque build-up and then tooth decay. If you can’t help eating crackers, it is best to choose one that has no wheat.
3. Lentils and Beans
Lentils and beans consist of phytic acid. This acid fuses together with vitamins that are necessary for healthy teeth. Phytic acid makes it more difficult for the teeth to absorb them. However, you can remove the acid by soaking them in water overnight before cooking.
4. Dried Fruit
You may consider dried fruit healthy, but all the water from these fruits is already dried off. That means that you’re only left with sticky sugar that isn’t good for your teeth. Aside from being hard to chew, this can lead to cavities. Whole fruits are still the best thing to eat because of their water contents.
5. Kombucha
If you drink kombucha, you know how good it is for your health. However, some brands of kombucha in the market are already pumped with too much sugar that already defeats its purpose of being a healthy drink. The ones you should buy are those that have visible particles and make sure to check the label for the sugar content. Just like the soda, you should brush your teeth after 45 minutes to kill any germs and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
You see, nutrition and oral health also come hand-in-hand. If you’re not careful about what you eat and you don’t practice good oral hygiene habits, you are compromising the overall health of your mouth and teeth.
If you’re looking for the best dentist in your area to upgrade the care that your teeth get, Advanced Dental Group will connect you with them. We are dedicated to providing assistance to everyone. Call us now!
