Healthy Food for Teeth

Eat raw fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Crunchy apples, firm carrots and crisp celery sticks can help remove plaque and prevent build-up of tartar on your teeth. What is plaque? Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit containing colonies of bacteria that attach to teeth and begin to multiply. What is tartar? Tartar is hardened calculus deposits of bacterial plaque on teeth which can lead to cavities, inflammation and serious gum disease. Tartar causes bad breath, makes your teeth look ugly with yellowish deposits and is harmful for your teeth, gums and your overall health.

Eat strawberries and lemons that are known to naturally whiten and brighten your teeth. Strawberries and lemons offer a delicious way for a whiter smile, plus they are an excellent source of vitamin C that helps improve and maintain gum health. However, remember to properly care for your teeth after eating healthy foods, including strawberries, which are highly acidic. Never brush your teeth immediately after eating foods that have high acid content as brushing could damage tooth enamel weakened by acid. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid and protect your teeth.

Incorporate dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and bok choy into your diet. Dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of many vitamins (such as vitamin A, C, E and K), fiber and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and folate). These types of vegetables help strengthen your gum's tissue and prevent inflammation. According to British Dental Health Foundation, consumption of green leafy vegetables may also reduce the risk of oral cancer.

Eat calcium-rich foods such as plain yogurt, kefir and cheese to help develop and maintain strong, healthy teeth. Cheese neutralizes harmful decay-causing acids in your mouth and helps to rebuild and strengthen your tooth enamel. A number of studies show that calcium, protein, and phosphorus in cheese might be able to protect tooth enamel and help to prevent tooth decay.

Restrict intake of sugary foods such as sweets, candies, caramel, cakes, pastries, cookies and soda drinks. Bacteria in your mouth produce acid from sugary foods that attacks and dissolves tooth enamel and causes tooth decay (also known as dental caries or cavity.) The more sugary foods you eat throughout the day, the more your teeth are exposed to an acid attack that could lead to tooth decay. Can't resist sweets? The best thing to do after eating a sugary snack is to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash and brush your teeth. If this option is not available, then chew sugarless gum as it will help to neutralize plaque acids and protect against tooth decay.

Avoid consuming too many or too often foods and beverages that contribute to teeth discoloration. Certain foods stain teeth more than others as they have strong pigments that stick to your teeth and cause staining. Coffee, tea, sodas, red wine, dark fruit juices, soy sauce and curry are all known to stain teeth. Sipping these types of drinks through a straw might help to limit their contact with your teeth and can help avoid staining the teeth. Electric and sonic toothbrushes can help remove surface stains and tooth discoloration as well as to naturally whiten teeth.