There’s no magic pill or formula that strengthens teeth; all it takes is a few healthy choices.
(image courtesy of flickr)
To naturally improve your teeth, try some of these common foods. They might already be a part of your daily meals.
- Milk
It’s a classic choice if you want to build strong bones. Milk contains calcium, which is an essential mineral for your body. It not only protects teeth but helps prevent osteoporosis, bone loss and high blood pressure.
Be especially healthy by choosing low or nonfat milk. Obtain your daily dose of calcium from other foods such as yogurt or cheese, and make sure to get enough vitamin D so your body can absorb calcium. Eggs, orange juice and even sunlight are good sources of vitamin D.
- Strawberries
People often use this fruit to whiten their smile because of its high malic acid content, but strawberries also contain plenty of vitamin C, a natural killer of oral bacteria and a high source of collagen, which prevents gingivitis.
Vitamin C is also known for repairing wounds, so it performs constant maintenance on your teeth and gums.
- Celery
Celery is a naturally abrasive food. It acts like a toothbrush because it massages your gums and cleans in between teeth. Celery can also prevent cavities because chewing it produces more saliva that neutralizes tooth-eroding bacteria.
If you don’t enjoy celery, other abrasive foods like apples, pears or carrots work just as well.
- Salmon
To absorb and get the full effects of calcium, consume vitamin D-rich fish like salmon and trout. Together with a glass of milk, they help calcium strengthen your bones and rebuild tooth enamel, which reduces tooth sensitivity.
- Green, Leafy Vegetables
Vegetables like kale and spinach have higher quantities of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and E than most foods. These familiar minerals protect your teeth, but phosphorus, stored in teeth and bones, balances calcium and magnesium, similar to vitamin D.
As a tip, blending green vegetables together to make soup, juice or smoothies will give you the maximum amount of nutrients neglected by non-thorough chewing.
- Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds have more protein than some nuts and plenty of calcium. They also cleanse teeth well by dissolving plaque.
Sprinkle them over salads, stir-fry and mixed vegetables or enjoy them as a tasty snack.
- Green Tea
Anti-oxidant rich green tea contains a bacteria-killing substance called catechin, which prevents sugar from turning into plaque and eroding your teeth. This substance can also eliminate bacteria which causes bad breath.
- Water
As simple as it is, water has a variety of helpful properties. It hydrates your gums, stimulates saliva to remove acids, and washes out trapped food particles that cause cavities.
The next time you have a meal or reach for a snack, consider these healthier options. Drink milk or water instead of soda. Choose an apple, celery or strawberries as a mid-day snack, and drink green tea to relax before bed.
Besides strengthening your teeth, these foods keep you fuller and give you more energy to conquer your day.
Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer and designer, and she blogs at Miss Rx. You can see more of her work or get in touch by following @foodierx on Twitter.
It's a good thing I love eating all of these foods. Sesame seeds can be high in calories, so if you're watching your intake I suggest a tablespoon or two on your salads so you don't overdo it. Heck, you can hit two birds with one stone and cut up strawberries if you like fruit in your salads. This is great advice, thanks for sharing :)www.marzodental.com