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Everyone knows the types of foods that are terrible for your teeth, but which foods can benefit them?
From the ability to scrape debris from your teeth while you chew to being rich in nutrients that help your enamel, these foods offer legitimate advantages for your smile. Fortunately, each food on the list is healthy as well as great for your teeth, so consider adding them to your meal plan for a brighter smile.
5 Foods that Are Excellent for Your Teeth
Each of these foods has their own specific characteristics that are beneficial for oral health. While the effects are most potent when eaten raw, including these foods in healthy meals is an alternative way to make them a part of your diet.
1. Carrots
The dense, fibrous consistency of carrots does two things that are beneficial for your oral health. First, the act of chewing carrots stimulates the production of saliva, which plays a major role in washing debris and bacteria from your mouth. Essentially, any food that involves a lot of chewing will stimulate this natural defense for your teeth. The second significant advantage that comes from chewing carrots is that their texture removes particles and plaque from the teeth.
2. Cheese
One food that has benefits that are backed by research is cheddar cheese. A recent study published in General Dentistry found that 12-15-year-olds who consumed cheddar cheese had significantly lower acid levels in their mouth. Lower acid means less chance of developing cavities and greater chances of excellent oral health. Plus, cheese is rich in the building blocks of your teeth’s enamel, calcium and protein.
3. Spinach
Spinach is a superfood that boosts your overall and oral health a number of ways. Rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals, spinach shares another trait with its leafy green counterparts: it requires a lot of chewing. This chewing enhances saliva production, thereby increasing the cleanliness of your mouth. Plus, spinach is one of the vegetables that has high levels of calcium, which is one of the most important minerals for maintaining healthy teeth.
4. Raisins
Raisins are sweet, but since their sweetness comes from natural fructose rather than table sugar, they aren’t harmful to your teeth. In fact, recent studies revealed that raisins contain a phytochemical that makes them excellent for your oral health. Specifically, the research found that raisins release a phytochemical that prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Despite being sweet and sticky, it turns out raisins are a dental superfood.
5. Apples
Another food that is surprisingly good for your teeth despite its sweetness is the apple. Much like carrots, apples require a lot of chewing. This stimulates cavity-fighting saliva which helps keep your mouth clean. Also like carrots, the action of eating an apple, and chewing through its dense surface actually scrubs the teeth clean of food particles and bacteria. The dental benefits of apples prove that no food should be underestimated just for being sweet.
Visit Royal Dental Care for your Next Exam
Dr. Peter Troyan and our team at Royal Dental Care have a deep understanding of the impact that our dietary choices make in our life. The wrong choices can lead to a host of health problems, while the right ones can leave you with a bright smile and fit body. Feel free to ask us about the dietary options that are best for the teeth, but remember, nothing takes the place of your biannual dental appointment. Contact Royal Dental Care in Hoffman Estates, IL today!
