Foods That Strengthen Teeth and Keep Them Strong
Did you know it’s possible to eat foods that will help strengthen teeth from the inside? Even though your tooth enamel is the most highly mineralized and hardest substance found in the human body, it doesn’t mean it’s impenetrable. The wrong foods and poor oral hygiene can leave your tooth enamel at risk. To keep teeth healthy and strong, it’s important to make sure you’re eating foods that will aid in the growth, development, and strength of your teeth. Here’s a look at some foods that help strengthen teeth to add to your diet that will keep teeth strong and healthy the natural way.
Leafy, Dark Green Veggies
Those leafy, dark green veggies, such as bok choy, spinach, broccoli, and kale, are packed with vitamin K, which aids in bone formation, as well as calcium. Spinach is also very high in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are all helpful for stronger teeth. Toss spinach and kale into salads or add to sandwiches. Steam broccoli and serve as a side dish or chow it down raw for a nice, crunchy snack.
Dairy Products
Consuming dairy products, such as cheese, milk, kefir, and yogurt can help strengthen teeth since dairy contains phosphorus and calcium. These minerals not only help strengthen your enamel, but they’ll also aid in remineralization as well. Eating dairy products promotes saliva secretion, too, and this can help protect teeth from bacteria and keep the pH level of the mouth balanced. If you happen to be lactose intolerant, consider enriched soy milk, which usually has added calcium to provide similar benefits.
Foods with Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been found to play an important role in regulating the proteins that help in the creation of tooth enamel. Adding more foods to your diet that are rich in vitamin D can help strengthen your teeth and may help with the remineralization of tooth enamel. Eggs, cold water fish, and fortified foods like cereals can offer you plenty of vitamin D.
Animal Proteins will Help with Strengthening
Animal proteins generally contain phosphorus, a mineral that’s important for keeping tooth enamel healthy. Pairing up phosphorus with vitamin D and calcium is especially effective. Beef and chicken are both great animal proteins to add to your diet. If you’re a vegetarian, tofu may be helpful, since it has a lot of protein and it may also have magnesium and calcium in it.
Strawberries
Strawberries happen to be packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which are important to healthy teeth and gums. They also contain malic acid, which can help exfoliate and whiten teeth while eliminating tartar, which harms enamel. Too much malic acid can harm enamel, but simply snacking on strawberries here and there can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Parsley is Great For Health
You probably already know that parsley offers a natural way to freshen your breath. However, the herb also happens to have antibacterial properties. Chewing on some parsley may help to prevent the bacteria that results in tooth enamel loss. Instead of a breath mint or gum, chew parsley. You’ll enjoy fresher breath and can help you save tooth enamel from sugars and acids that can cause deterioration.
Healthy Tea
Not only is tea high in antioxidants, which are important for overall oral health, but most of the leaves used to brew tea also contain fluoride as well, which helps to protect your tooth enamel from decay. If you brew up green tea, it has polyphenol in it as well, an antioxidant that protects your teeth by keeping plaque from sticking to the surface. An added bonus – brewing up a cup of tea may also strengthen your bones and help protect you from osteoporosis.
Of course, these are only a few of the drinks and foods that help strengthen teeth naturally. Remember, while various vitamins and minerals contribute to oral health and tooth strength, the most important ones are vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Don’t forget, what you eat plays an important part in keeping teeth strong and healthy. However, beyond eating a healthy diet, adding foods to your diet, and avoiding high sugar foods, you also need to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.