Eat These Foods for Healthy Teeth

You can brush and floss, but if you find yourself continually consuming foods and drinks that are full of sugar and low in nutritional value, there’s a pretty high likelihood that you’ll have issues with your teeth — like cavities and gum disease — at some point down the road.

While most of us know that certain foods can benefit our physical health, there are foods out there that can actually help our oral health as well. Read on for a list of foods that have vitamins and minerals that help encourage healthy teeth and are tasty enough to make great additions to your diet.

The Best Foods For Healthy Teeth

Yogurt, Cheese, and other Dairy Products:

Most dairy products contain calcium and phosphates, which help to replenish minerals your teeth might be losing when you eat other foods, as well as help rebuild tooth enamel. When choosing dairy products, try to stay away from things with added sugar.

Fiber-Filled Veggies:

Look for ones that have a high water content, like cucumbers, celery, zucchini, and cauliflower. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the combination of water and fiber helps to keep your teeth and gums clean. Chewing fiber-filled foods also helps stimulate saliva, which can aid in getting rid of harmful acids, as well as washing away particles that could cause plaque and tooth decay.

Vitamin C Rich Foods:

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), fruits and veggies packed with vitamin C like tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits, and even spinach help promote gum health. One caveat: healthy, acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes can wear away at your enamel over time, so make sure to take proper oral health precautions (such as rinsing your mouth with water and waiting to brush) after eating! Brushing with a toothpaste like Pronamel Strong and Bright twice a day can also help keep your enamel healthy, as it actively works to help protect enamel against the effects of acid erosion.

Lean Meat:

The AND states that lean cuts of chicken, turkey, or beef all contain phosphorus, helping to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Don’t eat meat? Not a problem – eggs, nuts, and beans contain solid sources of phosphorus, too.

In addition to these foods, keep your liquids as low in sugar as possible, and stick to sipping on water throughout the day. (Bonus: Most drinking water has fluoride in it, which helps make teeth more resistant to acid.)