8 Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Most people strive to keep their teeth healthy and strong even as they age. It’s not really surprising to come across an elderly person with white, perfectly aligned teeth. If you maintain a good oral health in your youthful days, your teeth will as well have a youthful appeal as you enter your later years.

Apart from brushing, flossing or rinsing your teeth with mouthwash, a healthy diet goes a long way in maintaining a healthy dental hygiene. Here are the foods you should avoid and the ones you should readily embrace.

Foods to say “YES” to

1. Milk and Dairy Products — Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese contain calcium, which strengthens bones and as well as teeth. It’s also reported that dairy products help prevent cavities by lowering acidic levels contained in some foods.

2. Carrots, Apples, Cucumber, Celery — Crunchy fruits and vegetables with high water content help promote saliva production. Saliva keeps bacteria in check.

3. Nuts — Nuts such as cashews, peanuts, almonds and walnuts provide important minerals, vitamins and other nutrients to keep your teeth healthy.

4. Water — Water comes in handy in maintaining a good oral health. It stimulates saliva, removes bacteria and strengthens both teeth and gums.

5. Leafy green vegetables — Spinach, cabbage, kales and broccoli are a good source of calcium and vitamins. These nutrients are something you will need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

6. Onions — Yes, it’s kind of weird, but raw onions possess great antibacterial properties which fight bacteria that cause tooth decay.

7. Green and black tea — Polyphenols contained in these teas effectively reduce levels of bacteria in your mouth. Unsweetened black coffee is also said to remove plague, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

8. Sugar-free gum — Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production, which washes away bacteria and food particles in your mouth.

Foods to say “NO” to

1. Sugary drinks – Sugar-sweetened drinks are not teeth-friendly and should be avoided at all cost. They include sodas, energy drinks and sporty drinks.

2. Alcohol– Not only does alcohol stains your teeth but also decreases saliva production, making your teeth susceptible to plaque buildup.

3. Sticky Candies — Lollipops and sticky candies tend to stick around your teeth for longer periods, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

4. Dried Fruits — High levels of sugar concentration and stickiness in dried fruits are harmful to your teeth.

5. Acidic foods — Acidic foods can wear away your tooth enamel. Make a point of brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic/citrus foods.

6. Ice — Ice only becomes dangerous if you decide to chew it. It wears away your enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

7. Starchy foods — Potato crisp, bread, rice are starchy foods that tend to get stuck between your teeth inviting plague to build- up.

8. Caffeine — Large consumption of coffee not only causes tooth discoloration but can also wear away tooth enamel. Drinking coffee in moderation is considered safe for your dental health.