According to statistics, 1 in 25 Australians aged 15 and over have no natural teeth. That’s why it’s essential that you take oral hygiene seriously, and dedicate more time to proper brushing, and flossing but to your food choices as well. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to protect your teeth from cavities and your mouth from infections. In addition, living by that old saying You are what you eat can also make a lot of difference to your oral health, because the food that’s good for your teeth is also beneficial for the rest of your body. You can prevent a lot of digestive disorders by taking care of what you eat, when, and how you take care of your teeth hygiene. Therefore, make sure you know what is the best food choice for your teeth if you want to keep them cavity-free.
Milk
Tooth enamel is basically minerals, and it tends to erode after the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. This is why your teeth need plenty of calcium to remain strong and compensate for the lost minerals. Milk is one of the best drinks for your oral health because it strengthens the enamel of your teeth with its high concentration of calcium and protects them from cavities. Milk lowers the acid levels in the mouth, thus helping fight tooth decay, making your teeth whiter as well.
Cheese
Cheese is another great source of calcium, and one of the best foods to fight plaque with. If you chew on hard cheese like cheddar, you’ll increase saliva production, and wash off various bacteria that may have accumulated in your mouth. Even if you want to indulge in some less good food for your teeth, like crackers, if you mix it up with some cheddar, you won’t make as much damage as without this delicious cheese.
Water
Aside from milk, water is the best drink for your teeth, because it contains no acids that can erode the enamel of your teeth or any color that can stain them. Furthermore, water is great for washing off food particles and keeping your saliva levels high, which is essential for healthy teeth. Namely, saliva protects your teeth from tooth decay with its minerals and proteins, so it’s vital that you’re always hydrated to avoid cavities. In case you notice any change in your teeth, make sure you make an appointment at your local endodontist in Sydney and check what kind of treatment you need. Until then, just stay hydrated with plenty of water and milk, to maintain a healthy mouth.
Black and green tea
Polyphenols are great at slowing down the growth of bacteria that cause plaque, further preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Tea is also rich in fluoride, one of the biggest necessities for healthy teeth. However, don’t forget to drink it unsweetened, because if you add sugar, it won’t have the same effect as the sugar-free beverage.
Various fruits
Anthocyanins prevent the attachment of plaque on the teeth and fight oral cancer, which is why you should look for the food rich in anthocyanins. You can find it mostly in berries, grapes, cherries, and plums. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can also whiten your teeth, aside from protecting them from cavities.
Crunchy foods high in water
Since saliva is the best natural neutralizer of the bacteria, you should eat plenty of food that increases the production of saliva, and some of that food includes raw fruits and vegetables. What’s more, the texture of crunchy food rich in water makes them a natural abrasive, which means that they’ll clean and scrub your teeth gently. Carrots, cucumbers, apples, and celery are some of the best examples and they’ll both clean your teeth and do good to your immune system.
Final thoughts
Protecting your teeth should be your priority because tooth decay can further lead to various health issues. Therefore, make sure you eat well and avoid sugary food and acidic drinks, but stick to healthy food rich in antioxidants and minerals to keep your teeth strong and shiny.