We all know that regular brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental check-ups, can help keep our smiles looking great for decades to come. However, it’s important to look after our tooth enamel. Avoiding fizzy drinks and sugary foods can help, but did you know that there are some delicious foods you can eat to strengthen your teeth and keep your enamel looking great?
Here are ten foods that will help strengthen tooth enamel:
Spinach
Spinach isn’t just for Popeye these days – it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to make sure that their teeth stay strong and healthy. Spinach is packed full of folic acid, iron, and Vitamins A and C, all of which help keep teeth strong.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
Dairy products are rich in Vitamin D, which helps build strong bones – and don’t forget that your teeth are made of the same stuff as your tibia or collarbone! Eating milk, cheese, or yogurt can lower acid levels in your mouth, reducing the risk of wearing away your enamel.
Garlic
Garlic doesn’t just add flavor to your food; it also keeps your mouth (and tooth enamel) healthy. It contains allicin, which helps reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This ensures that your enamel stays stronger for longer!
Avocados
Avocados contain lots of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy, but that same fiber also keeps your teeth clean and strong by feeding beneficial bacteria in your mouth. Try adding an avocado to a spinach salad for a meal that will keep your smile going strong.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts, such as sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts, contain high levels of phosphorous, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Just don’t forget to floss carefully after eating a handful of seeds!
Salmon and Tuna
Fish like salmon and tuna, which are rich in heart-healthy fats, can also help improve your oral health. Enjoying a piece or two of salmon each week could keep your gums and enamel looking great.
Green Tea
Green tea is high in antioxidants, which can help keep the level of bacteria in your mouth at a healthy rate. In turn, this helps preserve your enamel. Just avoid drinking green tea with sugar!
Shiitake mushrooms
These tasty Asian mushrooms contain a polysaccharide called lentinan, which breaks down plaque and bacteria in your mouth without a second thought. Try adding shiitake mushrooms to your omelettes, or to salads, to reap the benefits.
Coffee
Some recent dental studies have shown that unsweetened black coffee can actually help stop the growth of plaque on your teeth and protect your enamel. However, while it’s great for your teeth, it might not be so great for keeping them looking fresh and bright.
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Okay, so it’s not food, but sugar-free chewing gum can help you generate saliva, which breaks up plaque and bacteria and keeps them off your tooth enamel. Try chewing a piece after meals for the full effect.
