Healthy Foods
There are many foods that can
help strengthen your teeth.
Fruits
Fruits high in vitamin C help kill the bacteria that can cause gingivitis,
the first stage of gum disease. Eat plenty of oranges, limes, kiwis,
canteloupe, papaya, strawberries, and tomatoes. Vegetables such as
red, yellow, and orange peppers and sweet potatoes can also help.
But when you have citrus fruits or drinks, always wait at least 30
minutes before you brush your teeth. Citric acid in fruit temporarily
weakens tooth enamel. Waiting to brush your teeth will help ensure
your tooth enamel does not get damaged.
Vegetables
Celery, cauliflower, raw carrots, green beans, and snap peas are crunchy
vegetables that help clean your teeth and gums. They naturally scrape
away the plaque that builds up between meals. For the best results,
eat these vegetables slowly and chew thoroughly.
Dairy
Dairy products that are rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk,
yogurt, and cheese, raise the pH level in your mouth, lower the amount
of cavity-causing acid, and reduce your risk of tooth decay. The calcium
in these foods also sticks to your teeth to protect them from leftover
acid and it can repair damaged enamel. Plus, calcium strengthens the
bones around your teeth, which helps prevent periodontal disease.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds have natural fats that protect your teeth against bacteria,
stengthen enamal, and help make your teeth more resistant to cavities.
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds, along with nuts,
make excellent snacks.
Sugarless Gum
According to the American Dental Association, chewing sugarless gum
for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. When you
chew sugarless gum, you produce more saliva, which helps loosen plaque,
hydrates your gums, and increases the number of natural antibodies
in your mouth.
Foods to Avoid
Many foods are bad for your teeth. They are too sugary or too sticky
or create too much cavity-causing acid.
They include:
Soft drinks
Fruit drinks (with high-fructose corn syrup)
Bubble gum (with sugar)
Hard candy
Gummy candy
Caramel
Taffy
Raisins
Potato chips
Honey
Be sure to brush your teeth really well after eating any of these. |
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