We often eat for our body’s health — which is a great thing — but how often do your teeth and gums weigh in on your nutritional decisions?
Just about every child under the age of five can tell you that sweets are no good for your teeth. Those pesky sugars from candies, soft drinks and even sticky dried fruits sit on your enamel, of course, and can wreak havoc in the form of cavities. But enough with this negativity! Rather than living a life of avoidance to protect your teeth, start reaching for foods that have a lot to offer your pearly whites (and the pink flesh that cradles them).
There are a lot of great foods out there that help keep your smile happy and healthy! Here are six toothsome choices:
1. Dairy. No, it doesn’t make your teeth whiter. It does something far better: the calcium in milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products keeps the enamel (which is composed, in part, of calcium phosphate) strong. Plus a lot of dairy products are fortified with vitamin D, which is linked to lower rates of tooth decay in children. Even better, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends eating certain cheeses as a snack or after a meal. “Cheeses such as aged cheddar, swiss, mozzarella and Monterey jack stimulate the flow of saliva, clearing the mouth of food debris and acting as a buffer to neutralize the acids that attack teeth. The calcium and phosphorous found in cheese also reduce or prevent decreases in pH levels of saliva and promote remineralization of tooth enamel.” Huzzah. Pass the cheese board!
2. Get your crunch on. No, silly, not with chips. According to the American Dental Association, chewing stimulates saliva, which can wash away acids and food bits that might get stuck in your teeth. Crisp veggies and fruits — like celery and apples — are packed with water and fiber and do a great job cleaning as you chomp.
3. Leafy greens. Greens like chard, kale and spinach are crunchy and fibrous but they also have an added benefit for your teeth. Leafy greens are abundant with vitamin C, which can help fight inflammation. Even if you’re not a salad person, it’s easy to slip leafy greens into your soups and stews. Or add our Greens Blend to your morning smoothie for a delicious shot of vitamin C. Spinach, which is high in folic acid and vitamin B, can be eaten to prevent mouth ulcers and to prevent gum bleeding.
4. Green tea. Yes it’s trendy and delicious. But did you know that green tea is super healthy for your mouth? Green tea is loaded with flavonoids, which contain properties called catechins that fight cancer and act as antioxidants. “Catechins should be considered right alongside of the better-known antioxidants like vitamins E and C as potent free radical scavengers and health supportive for this reason,” says a study from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. “It has been suggested that green tea also promotes periodontal health by reducing inflammation, preventing bone resorption and limiting the growth of certain bacteria associated with periodontal diseases.” Drink up!
5. Raw onion. Phew! Really? Yes, raw onions might stink up your breath but some dentists have called them a “superfood for super teeth.” They contain antibacterial sulfur compounds that kill dreaded bacteria that lurk in the mouth and cause tooth decay.
6. Shitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are currently being explored as having a lot of potential for oral health because they appear to have an anti-gingivitis effect. If you’re not brave enough to rinse your mouth twice a day with a shitake mushroom “mouthwash,” you just might want to drink down our Greens Blend mix instead. Fortunately, it’s delicious and comes complete with a 5-mushroom blend, including shitake.
Keep in mind one thing. Although tasty, one should never replace brushing, flossing and gargling with chewing a mushroom or a piece of raw onion. Your significant others will thank you.