You only have one set of pearly whites, so you’d better keep them healthy. One of the best ways to keep teeth in tip top shape is to watch what goes into your mouth. Certain foods, especially sugary ones, directly contribute to tooth decay and gum disease which can ultimately lead to tooth loss – a costly situation in terms of overall health and well being. Here’s how to choose foods that are good for your teeth so you can have them for a lifetime.
Foods Good for Teeth: Raw Foods
To preserve your teeth and keep them looking their best, add more raw foods to your diet. When you don’t have time to pull out a toothbrush at the office, munch on a raw apple or a sprig of celery instead. These crunchy, high fiber foods have natural teeth-cleaning capabilities and help to give plaque forming bacteria the “heave ho. After eating an apple, head for the water fountain and rinse out your mouth to remove any natural fruit sugars and acids that might cling to your teeth. Your mouth will feel refreshed and your teeth will look brighter.
Foods Good for Your Teeth: Milk
Milk is a good source of calcium. Some studies show that calcium rich foods such as milk protect against periodontal disease, a condition that can lead to tooth loss. In animals, milk also protects against dental caries even when animals are given a diet high in sugar. Plus, it also helps teeth re-mineralize. Don’t like the taste of milk? Cheese seems to have a similar effect.
Foods Good for Your Teeth: Yogurt
Yogurt is another dairy product that’s good for your teeth. It’s an excellent source of probiotics or active bacterial cultures that compete with the bad bacteria that cause dental caries and gum disease. This can lead to a healthier mouth – and less restorative dental work.
Foods Good for Your Teeth: Strawberries
Strawberries have a very mild bleaching action and can remove superficial stains; but be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating them. Strawberries are acidic and acids erode away tooth enamel.
Foods Good for Your Teeth: Green Tea
Green tea is a good source of natural catechins which help to reduce cavity causing oral plaque and destroy bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans that causes plaque to form in the first place. Studies have shown that green tea extract strongly inhibits the growth of plaque producing bacteria. To get these beneficial effects, sip a cup of green tea throughout the day; but be aware that drinking tea can stain the teeth.
Foods Good for Your Teeth: Sugar-free Chewing Gum
Look for sugar-free chewing gum that contains xylitol as the main sweetener. This natural fruit alcohol, found in many fruits and vegetables, has been shown to reduce decay causing Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Most sources say you need to chew four or more sticks of xylitol containing gum to get the best results.
The Bottom Line?
To get the benefits of foods that are good for your teeth, make some simple substitutions. Instead of drinking soft drinks that erode away tooth enamel, switch over to green tea or skim milk. Substitute an apple or a stick of sugar-free gum for a sweet pastry or candy bar. These are all simple substitutions that can give you healthier teeth and gums.
References:
http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/NationalDairyCouncil/Health/Digest/dcd71-1Page5.htm
http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2009/05/you_docs_yogurt_can_help_preve.html
http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/ADA/Article_2005_10_ADAFoodChoices.cvsp
http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/131/7/909
