Keeping your teeth healthy involves good hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Eating the right foods can give your teeth an extra boost of health. The next time you're in need of a snack, try one of these six food that will keep your afternoon snack cravings at bay and help keep your teeth healthy.
Celery
Celery helps protect teeth in two ways: by producing extra saliva that cleans the mouth and removing plaque. Celery is a naturally fibrous food and takes more time to chew before swallowing. The extra chewing time triggers the body to produce more saliva in the mouth. Saliva naturally removes food and bacteria from the mouth, reducing the likelihood of tooth decay. Additionally, celery is naturally abrasive. When eaten, it gently removes the plaque from the teeth. Plaque is a thin mass of bacteria that forms in the mouth. It can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay if not removed. Try pairing celery with natural peanut butter or cream cheese for a flavorful snack.
Kiwi
Getting enough vitamin C is essential in preventing gum disease. Without enough vitamin C, the collagen in the gums can break down. This leaves them susceptible to diseases, such as gingivitis. Though kiwi are small, each fruit packs in 120 percent of a person's daily need of vitamin C. Try eating it on top of yogurt or sprinkled with granola for a quick snack or breakfast.
Cheese
Cheese is high in both calcium and phosphate, minerals that are essential for a healthy smile. The low sugar content in cheese helps to balance the pH in the mouth, keeping levels from becoming too acidic and harming tooth enamel. Additionally, some studies show that eating cheese regularly can help rebuild tooth enamel that has become lost by eating acidic foods. Try eating one-ounce of cheese in the afternoon to keep teeth strong.
Green Tea
Green tea has a plethora of health benefits, but researchers are just learning how these health benefits protect the teeth. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that people who regularly consumed green tea had less problems with their gums and teeth than those who never drank it. The more green tea that study participants drank, the higher the benefits. Researchers believe the antioxidants in green tea can keep the gums healthy, preventing disease form occurring.
Apples
Apples are great for both cleansing and whitening the teeth. Apples have fiber-rich flesh, which makes them ideal for removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth. The slightly-acidic nature of apples allows them to whiten the teeth while not producing a level that can harm the enamel. Eating an apple and drinking a glass of water afterward will rinse away the plaque and debris that are removed when chewing the apple.
Dark Chocolate
Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to skip dessert. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins. Tannins prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth, decreasing the chance of tooth decay. Polyphenols can help limit the effect of bacteria in the mouth that can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum infections. Flavonoids work to slow tooth decay. For the most benefit, eat chocolate that is 70+ percent cocoa.
When it's time for a snack, grab one of these healthy and tasty foods that will keep your mouth healthier and your smile whiter. Many dentists recommend going this natural route to help with overall oral hygiene.
Information Credit to Nate Lewis, DDS, a http://natelewisdds.com/contact/
