A balanced diet means fewer trips to the dentist. The better you treat your body, the better it treats you. So make sure to eat a little from all the major food groups, with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
Here are some foods to add to your diet to improve your teeth’s health.
Sugar-free Gum
The constant saliva production you create from chewing gum helps clean your teeth. Saliva naturally washes away acids and cleans teeth. According to Health.com, sugarless gum makers use xylitol to sweeten it. Xylitol is an alcohol that reduces bacteria.
Experts recommend that you only chew mint sugar-free gum, because other flavors of it often use certain acids that slightly damage your teeth.
Chewing gum 20 minutes after a meal helps reduce tooth decay.
Water
Like toothpaste and mouthwashes, water contains fluoride. Fluoride naturally protects teeth from erosion. You can also eat water heavy fruits and vegetables, such as celery and apples, to get the same effect.
Cheese
Cheese requires active chewing, which means it also causes an increase in saliva production. Cheese, milk, and other dairy products are the primary source of calcium. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel and bones.
According to a study published by General Dentistry, cheese also lowers the risk of tooth decay.
High Fiber Foods
High fiber foods require a lot of chewing, which makes them another source of high saliva production. High fiber foods, such as leafy greens, are high in calcium, and have folic acid, which can treat gum disease in pregnant women.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid, which works as a teeth whitener. You can even use it to make a homemade teeth whitener. Floss after using the whitener to eliminate strawberry seeds.
Add these foods to your diet to get stronger, healthier teeth. However, regular dentist check-ups are the best way to ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy. Make sure you visit your local dentist at least once a year.