We all know that sugary junk foods can cause cavities, but what do you know about the foods that can help protect our teeth? A healthy diet can make a difference in our oral health. There are foods we can eat and drink to help fight cavities and gum disease, and whiten teeth.
Check out 8 Foods to Eat For Healthy Teeth and Gums:
Strawberries and Oranges are a delicious way to use fruit as a tooth polisher!
Apples, Celery and Green Beans are also known as “nature’s toothbrushes.” These crunchy fruits and veggies gently scrub your teeth as you chew.
Green Tea contains healthy antioxidants that can help protect against gum disease when used regularly. Bonus: It can also fight bad breath!
Cheese and other dairy products are natural teeth whiteners. These foods are also high in calcium and lactic acid, which fights tooth decay.
Sugarless Gum. The American Dental Association says that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals gets rid of food debris and helps prevent cavities.
Yuna says
Great ideas. And yes, I agree that a healthy die can definitely make a difference with our oral health. About the sugarless-gum you just mentioned, a lot of experts recommend Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that won’t cause acids to rot our teeth. I have recently read two books, Cure Tooth Decay, and Never Get Another Cavity. Truly amazing books that stress out the importance of a healthy diet in curing and preventing tooth decay.
Amy Green says
I knew strawberries, apples, cheese, and sugarless gum, but I didn’t know the other ones!
natalie nichols says
And just because you don’t have cavities, doesn’t mean your mouth is healthy! I have never had a cavity, but I’m at risk for losing a tooth because I have receding gums!
Tammy S says
Great facts. I didn’t know that Green Tea also helped bad breath. My son could use some. 🙂
Thanks!
Ari says
Wow, yet another reason to eat cheese and drink milk (well, drink milk during the day and make sure to brush before going to sleep). Thanks for these great tips! I didn’t know about the green tea and good breath!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
Thanks for the tips on how to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. I didn’t know that Green Tea fights bad breath or that cheese whitens
Kate F. says
Thanks for the list. I’m glad to know I’m doing something right. I usually chew sugarless gum after meals.
Hannah C says
Great to know! Thank you! I’m writing this all down. I try to be healthy and take care of my teeth and gums!
Michael T says
Now could you please post a list of sugestions on how to get my kids to eat those items? 😉 Apples, cheese, and gum are the only things they’ll currently touch on that list!
Nicole says
Hmmmm…dip them in chocolate?? LOL Guess that would defeat the purpose. My kids will usually eat raw veggies dipped in Ranch. They love strawberries and oranges are hit and miss depending on how sweet they are. Many dentists are now recommending sugarless gum after meals – my kids love gum, so that is an easy one for us. Thank goodness something is easy and good for them! 🙂
Rosie says
This is good to know! I was just recently thinking about health for gums and teeth – daily habits – eating these foods is an easy way and I’m sure does good for the whole body!