Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

When you flaunt your pretty pearls, it’ll make you look more confident. Although teeth cleaning, fillings and other dental procedure can make your teeth brighter, it’s always good to stick to natural ways.

It is better if you avoid cavities and stains by practising good oral hygiene. The health of your teeth depends on your food intake. Thus, to avoid the risk of dental and other oral health issues, here’s a list of foods that are best and worst for your teeth.

Best And Worst Foods For Your Teeth [Infographic]

Best Foods for Teeth

1. Celery

Celery helps to scrape off the food particles from the teeth and fight bacteria by stimulating the flow of saliva. As it’s a good source of vitamin A and C, it is also an excellent food for healthy gums. If you have time constraints, use celery to clean your teeth.

2. Cranberries

Cranberries have many health benefits for the body. But, these berries also prevent tooth decay as they are high in anthocyanins. They also contain a high level of proanthocyanidins that help to prevent gum diseases and neutralize the bacteria in the mouth. Chewing on cranberries may also clean plaque. So next time chew on some cranberries to prevent teeth staining.

3. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-bacterial properties. Regular intake of green tea can protect against cavities, bad breath, and various gum diseases. Green tea helps to reduce the bacteria in the mouth that promotes healthy teeth and gums. You can have two cups of green tea daily for good oral hygiene.

4. Apples

As apples are full of fibre, eating them will increase saliva production which will reduce the risk of cavities. The natural fibrous texture of the apple can stimulate your gums and reduce cavity-causing bacteria. Chewing on apples can also help to gently remove all plaque that is trapped between the teeth.

5. Leafy Veggies

As green leafy veggies contain minerals & vitamins, they promote good oral hygiene. Veggies like spinach, kale, and asparagus contain magnesium; they strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. Green leafy veggies are rich in calcium, which helps build your teeth enamel while the folic acid content prevents gum diseases.

6. Sugarless Gum

Sugar-free gum helps to clean your teeth by stimulating the production of saliva. By chewing the gum, you can wash away the bacteria and acid in your mouth. It also bathes the teeth in bone-strengthening phosphate and calcium. Stick to minty flour as citrus flavours can cause damage.

Worst Foods for Teeth

1. Chewy Candies

Candies taste amazing, but they are bad for your teeth. Caramel and sweet candies not only stick but also cling to your teeth for a longer time, which can cause cavities. So it is best to avoid them, and if you do eat some, then it is important to rinse your mouth later to remove the leftover residue.

2. Sugary Drinks

Sugary and carbonated drinks rank among the top worst foods for oral health. They not only harm your teeth but also affect saliva production. They can cause teeth stains and bad breath. Also, drinking them in large quantities can fasten tooth decay.

3. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, but too much citrus fruits can erode the teeth enamel over time. It can lead to decay and other gum diseases. As citrus fruits are highly acidic foods, it is better to eat them in moderate quantities and rinse your mouth later.

4. Crackers

Crackers may be an easily accessible food item when you’re hungry, but crackers are starchy foods that can breakdown into sugar in your mouth, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Having too many crackers can result in tooth decay and cause bacterial growth in the mouth. Thus, stay away from crackers the next time someone offers you.

5. Potato Chips

Like crackers, even potato chips have starch. And, starchy food can get trapped between your teeth causing bacterial growth and plaque. Potato chips are surely irresistible, but it’s important to stay away from them if you want to practice good oral hygiene.

Final Thoughts:

You’ll be able to maintain optimum oral health by having foods that are good for your teeth and oral hygiene. Everything you eat has an impact, so choose your food options wisely.