You may not realize it, but what you eat plays an important part in your dental health. All your life, you’ve probably heard that eating sugary foods like candy and sodas can cause cavities and tooth decay. Nutritious food choices, however, can help you maintain strong teeth and healthy gums, so think about adding these options to your diet.
Dairy products
Milk, yogurt, and cheese are low in acidity and sugar, so they can reduce tooth erosion and decay. Many dairy foods contain calcium, which can strengthen your teeth and bones.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Chewing raw foods like celery, carrots, and apples produces saliva that will neutralize bacteria. These crunchy foods also massage gums and clean your teeth. Limit acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, or eat them with other foods that can rinse away the acid. Eating fruits high in vitamin C will improve gum health.
Onions
Raw onions added to your salad or sandwich can kill various bacteria in your mouth, but remember to freshen your breath after consuming this odorous choice.
Sesame seeds
Often found on bread and rolls, sesame seeds can tackle plaque and build tooth enamel, as well as strengthen your teeth and jawbone from the calcium in the seeds.
Wasabi
This spicy Japanese condiment protects your teeth by inhibiting bacteria growth.
Beverages
Water hydrates your gums, stimulates saliva, and helps rinse away trapped food particles. Green tea is another good drink choice because it contains properties that kill bacteria, which can create plaque as well as bad breath.