It may come as no surprise that different foods will have varying impacts on your teeth.
There are the obvious offenders like sugary snacks, high-citrus fruits, and coffee. There’s also another rule of thumb to follow—if it will stain a white tablecloth, it will most likely stain your teeth.
The problem with many foods that break down your teeth is they become fuel for bacteria. Since they are hard to remove from your mouth, these foods will cause decay, bad breath, and more.
But that’s not to say that all food is bad for your teeth. In fact, there are several that will improve your overall dental health. We’ve put together a list of the five best foods for your teeth below—do you see any of your favorites?
High-Fiber Vegetables
If you’re one of those people that love spinach, then you are in luck. Vegetables that are high in fiber, like spinach, require a lot of chewing. That prolonged chewing actually cleans your teeth!
Acting much like brushes, the food matter will break down and literally “scrub” your enamel of stains. After a good glass of water to wash it down, your teeth will be cleaner than they were before.
Dairy Products
Unfortunately, ice cream does not count. But, if you are a cheese lover or milk drinker you’re in luck—the calcium found in dairy products helps to replenish enamel.
There are also many dairy replacement products, such as almond milk and cashew cheese, that are loaded with calcium. Including any of these foods into your diet in moderation will most likely help you build stronger enamel and keep your teeth lasting longer.
Sugarless Gum
While most gums contain sugar, their sugarless counterparts are actually very good for your teeth! Known also to aid in developing jaw strength, chewing sugarless gum helps to remove stains and food from your teeth that can be eventually washed down or washed out.
Fruits, But Only a Few
Did you know that the Romans used strawberries to clean their teeth? They weren’t crazy—the malic acid found in strawberries has been known for centuries as a natural teeth whitener.
Other fruits like fresh grapes, apricots, and green apples also contain malic acid. So, if you’re thinking about your next snack, make sure it’s loaded with malic acid!
Water
This should come as no surprise. Drinking water not only hydrates your body—it cleans out your mouth and helps develop saliva. Saliva is the single most important defense you have against tooth decay. Saliva helps clean out bacteria and flush your mouth of excess food.