7 Dentist-Approved Foods That Help Protect You from Cavities

Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist on a regular basis are usually thought of as the key to a healthy smile. But there is another step that dentists recommend for optimal oral health; eating foods that help to protect your teeth from developing cavities.

Foods that are rich in calcium and omega-3s support tooth enamel and reduce gum inflammation, according to Good Housekeeping. Some food has textures that scrub your teeth as you eat and others contain vitamins that help support oral health. Incorporate these seven dentist-approved foods into your diet to take care of your teeth.

Apples
Apples have been called nature’s toothbrush because their crunchy texture helps to clean your teeth as you chew. Apples also stimulate saliva flow, which reduces the bacteria that cause tooth decay and the polyphenols the fruit contains could neutralize the compounds that are responsible for bad breath. So, eat an apple a day and keep the dentist away.

Cheese
Cheese is one of the best foods to eat for your teeth. Rich in calcium and phosphorus, these minerals help to harden tooth enamel and make it more resistant to developing cavities. Cheese also stimulates saliva and that could rinse away the acids and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and bad breath.

Carrots
Carrots are nature’s toothbrushes and help to scrub your teeth, especially when eaten raw, according to a blog on the Dental Health website. The chewing action massages your gums and helps to keep them healthy. Another plus is that the keratin and vitamin A present in carrots could help to repair tooth enamel.

Green tea
Drinking green tea is also good for your dental health. That’s because the beverage lacks any sugar and lowers the acidity of your saliva. This can help wash away dental plaque. Tea is a natural source of fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel, so enjoy a cup of green tea every day.

Yogurt
Yogurt is packed full of calcium and probiotics that balances the microbiome in your mouth, stresses DR.C Dentistry. That’s why dentists highly recommend that you add plain, unsweetened yogurt to your diet. Top it with strawberries to add Vitamin C, which helps to protect your gums and teeth.

Fatty Fish
Fatty fish including salmon, herring, and sardines are full of vitamin D – that allows your body to better absorb calcium – and omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce gum inflammation, according to Good Housekeeping. Stronger tooth enamel and healthier gums help to protect your teeth from tooth decay and cavities.

Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach contain calcium, vitamin K, and folic acid. These nutrients help to strengthen your teeth and support your gums. A study suggested that people who ate higher intakes of dark green vegetables had less periodontal disease over a period of six years. Besides building stronger muscles, eat your greens, for stronger teeth too.