Healthy Teeth: 8 Foods You Should Eat

Having good oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. But did you know that the foods we eat can have an impact on the strength, whiteness, and even odor of our teeth? Eating the right foods can help strengthen our teeth and promote healthy gums.

Here’s what to eat for healthy teeth! From crunchy veggies to dairy products, you’ll be surprised to learn how food can help keep your teeth in top shape. Read on for all the delicious details!

Before Food, Have in Mind You Should Have Regular Checkups

As important as it is to choose the right foods for a healthy set of teeth, it’s just as important to make sure you visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will help ensure that any potential problems with your teeth are identified and treated before they become serious. And, if you don’t know anyone who could help you, you can find some dentist clinics online. That way, you can find someone who is qualified and experienced to help keep your teeth healthy.

Once you have a dentist, make sure that you go in for regular checkups at least twice a year. This will give your dentist the opportunity to identify problems before they become serious, as well as recommend good foods for healthy teeth. Now that you know you should have regular checkups, let’s talk about some of the foods you should consider eating for healthy teeth.

1. Dairy Products

If you’re looking for foods that help maintain healthy teeth, dairy products should be at the top of your list. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are loaded with calcium and other minerals that strengthen enamel and keep teeth healthy.

Cheese in particular has been found to increase saliva production, which works to rinse away food particles that can lead to cavities. Also, since dairy products are low in sugar, they won’t contribute to the formation of acids that can cause tooth decay.

2. Lean Meats

Lean meats like chicken, pork, and beef contain phosphorus and other minerals that help build strong teeth. Phosphorus has been found to reduce plaque buildup, which helps protect tooth enamel from erosion. Additionally, lean meats are a great source of protein, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth.

3. Leafy Greens for Healthy Teeth

One of the best things people can eat for healthy teeth is leafy greens. Leafy greens are loaded with calcium and vitamin A, which are both important for strong teeth and bones. Additionally, they contain folic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums.

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, collard greens, and dandelion greens are just some of the many leafy greens you can incorporate into your diet for healthy teeth and gums. Leafy greens can be eaten in salads, added to smoothies or soups, or even cooked as a side dish.

4. Lean Meats and Fish

In addition to dairy products, lean meats and fish are important sources of nutrients such as protein, zinc, and iron. Protein helps strengthen your teeth while zinc helps with the production of enamel. For a healthy smile, try lean cuts of beef, pork, or turkey, as well as lean seafood options like tuna, salmon, and sardines.

These can be cooked in a variety of ways and combined with other healthy items for a tasty meal. Eating fish is also beneficial to your oral health because it can help reduce inflammation, which may contribute to gum disease.

5. Nuts and Seeds for Healthy Teeth

When it comes to your teeth, nuts and seeds can be a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are packed with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients that help promote healthy teeth.

Eating a variety of different nuts and seeds regularly can help keep your teeth strong while also reducing the risk of tooth decay. Try adding almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds to your diet for a healthy boost.

6. Fruits and Vegetables

To promote healthy teeth, it is important to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits like apples, strawberries, and oranges can help to remove plaque from teeth while crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, and broccoli can increase saliva production which helps to maintain a healthy pH balance in the mouth.

Eating a variety of these foods will provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy teeth. Additionally, these foods can help reduce the risk of cavities by providing fiber which helps to cleanse the mouth and limit the amount of time that plaque is left on the teeth.

7. Healthy Teeth from Eating Whole Grains

Whether it’s oats, wheat, or other grains, whole grains are packed with many essential vitamins and minerals which can help keep teeth healthy. Whole grain bread is particularly beneficial for protecting enamel, as the grains contain lots of silica which acts like a scrubbing agent against the tooth surface.

Whole grain cereals also provide important vitamins such as vitamin B, which play an important role in creating strong teeth. Including whole grains as part of a balanced diet can help fight against cavities and other tooth problems.

8. Sugar-Free Chewing Gum or Mints

Once in a while, chewing sugar-free gum or mints can be beneficial for your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum or mints stimulates saliva production which helps to neutralize the acids that cause tooth decay. It also helps to wash away food particles and plaque that are stuck in between your teeth.

Keep in mind not to replace brushing and flossing with chewing gum or mints, as they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Be sure to look for gums and mints that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance in order to ensure that it’s sugar-free and won’t cause any harm to your teeth.

In the end, a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. Eating foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D such as dairy products, nuts, fish, and leafy green vegetables helps to keep your teeth strong. Additionally, limiting sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes helps reduce the risk of cavities.

Lastly, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can damage your teeth. Eating a balanced diet with foods rich in these essential nutrients is an easy way to keep your teeth healthy and strong. 

Which foods do you feel keep your teeth in tip top shape? Let us know in the comments below! 

Jennifer Dawson

Jennifer Dawson is an experienced freelance writer who specializes in food and nutrition. Working in fitness marketing previously gave her a good feel for the industry and since going freelance she has been able to explore her preferred topic areas such as diet types, nutrition and food. Outside of work, Jen enjoys traveling, swimming and spending time with her young family.

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