Permanent teeth should last throughout a person’s lifetime. Indeed, healthy teeth last well beyond a person’s lifetime, and the species of humans who lived millennia ago are often identified by their teeth. Dentists understand that a healthy diet coupled with good dental hygiene leads to healthy teeth, but there are some foods that are better for the teeth than others. Here are seven foods to eat regularly to keep the teeth strong.
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1. Apples and Other Fruits
Apples, of the genus Malus, are full of malic acid. Malic acid whitens teeth, which helps them aesthetically. Better yet, the fibrousness of apples forces the person to chew them, and chewing helps remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and debris that can cling to teeth and lead to cavities. Pears are also good for removing plaque from teeth.
2. Cold-Water Fatty Fish
Fish such as salmon are full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium. These nutrients support the strength of the teeth and gums. Phosphorus is important in rebuilding tooth enamel, which is the strongest material in the body. This element also helps the body use calcium efficiently.
3. Dark Chocolate
To the delight of many, dark chocolate is actually a food that can support the health of the teeth. That’s because it is rich in a compound called CBH. CBH, which in the case of dark chocolate means cocoa bean husk, keeps tooth enamel strong. There are dentists who believe CBH is even better at fluoride when it comes to protecting the teeth from cavities.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is already famous for being an antioxidant, which means it protects the body from damaging free radical molecules. As an antioxidant, green tea helps prevent gum disease. It also has fluoride, which guards the teeth against tooth decay. This refreshing beverage also has catechins, which kill the types of bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease. Black tea also has a good amount of fluoride and antioxidant properties.
5. Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables include kale, collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, lettuce, and spinach. These vegetables are abundant in nutrients that strengthen teeth and gums such as calcium, magnesium, Vitamins C and A, and folic acid. Since they’re crunchy when they’re fresh and raw, they also stimulate saliva and scour plaque from the teeth.
6. Dairy Products
Dairy products are famous for being rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium, and protein. Unsweetened yogurt not only has many of the same nutrients that milk has, as it’s made from milk, but it also has probiotics that support the health of the gut. Cheese has casein, which, like phosphorus, helps to rebuild tooth enamel. If a person counts eggs as part of dairy, they are also good for teeth. Eggs are high in vitamin D, phosphorus, and protein.
7. Garlic
Garlic for dental health may seem strange since garlic is not good for the breath. However, it is good for the teeth. Garlic is full of allicin, which is a compound that hinders the overgrowth of the type of bacteria that leads to plaque.
