If you’re trying to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, the food you eat probably isn’t something that comes to mind. Avoiding certain foods will be on the list – we know that sugary food is bad, for example – but the idea that some foods are actually good for your teeth is a surprising one.

 Promoting oral health is critical, so understanding how these foods can help you keep your mouth healthy can help you make the right decisions on a daily basis. Read on to find out more. 

 Tea

Can tea really make your mouth – and specifically your teeth – feel better? Surely the one thing we know about tea is that it stains teeth, turning them from white to a strange brown color? Although this may be true if you drink a lot of tea and don’t brush your teeth, scientists have determined that the polyphenols found in green and black teas do more good than harm. They reduce the risk of gum disease by slowing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Tea simply does not allow some bacteria to clump together and adhere to your teeth’s enamel. Not only that, but green or black tea can help eliminate bad breath as well; the same polyphenol compounds that inhibit bacteria growth also inhibit bacteria’s ability to produce odors and gases.

 Cranberries

As strange as it may sound, cranberries contain the same polyphenols as tea, so they reduce the risk of cavities and prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. However, keep in mind that cranberries are naturally extremely tart, and many store-bought cranberries will have had extra sugar added, undoing all the good you’re trying to do. Instead of adding sugar or not enjoying your food, you could juice them. There are many juicing recipes for weight loss, so if you try some of those that include cranberries, you can protect your teeth and take care of your weight at the same time. 

 Cheese

Most people are aware that calcium aids in the development of healthy bones and teeth, and that calcium can be found in dairy products. However, milk typically receives the most attention, and it is milk that parents frequently try to persuade their children to drink more of in order to help them grow and maintain a healthy smile. But it’s possible that milk isn’t the best option after all. When it comes to oral health and hygiene, it could be cheese that does the best job. 

 The pH level in the mouth does not change when milk is consumed. However, when cheese is consumed, the pH level decreases (that means there is less harmful acid there to eat away at the teeth). Furthermore, chewing (rather than drinking) produces more saliva, which helps wash away some bacteria. 

 Milk

Of course, this does not mean that milk is no longer necessary. Drinking a glass of milk after eating something sweet lowers the levels of acid in the mouth that have been increased by the sugar. It is more effective than fruit juice or even plain water in lowering acid levels. However, don’t just add milk to your sugary cereal and think you’ve saved your teeth; when the milk combines with the food, it becomes syrupy and can actually cause more harm than good.

 Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, and cucumbers are also beneficial to the teeth. This is because chewing and crunching dislodges a lot of plaque buildup, effectively deep cleaning your teeth as you eat.

Strawberries

Strawberries, aside from being delicious, can also help your teeth. Malic acid, a natural tooth whitener, is present in them. It’s fine to eat the strawberries (they’re healthy anyway), but if you really want to make a difference, you can make your own whitening paste. Pulp a strawberry, add baking soda and gently spread it on your teeth with a toothbrush. Allow it to sit for five minutes before rinsing it all away. Your teeth should be much whiter as a result. However, flossing afterward is recommended because strawberry seeds have a tendency to become lodged between teeth, causing infection or discomfort.

Foods High In Vitamins

We need many different types of vitamins in our diets to stay healthy, so eating foods that contain those vitamins is a good idea in any case. It’s even more critical if you want to keep your teeth in good condition. We’ve already mentioned calcium, and calcium-rich foods include cheese, almonds, and leafy greens. Phosphorus is also essential, and you can find it in fish, meat, and eggs. Phosphorus contributes to the health and strength of tooth enamel. Enamel does not regrow once it has been lost, which is why it is critical to take good care of it when you have it. Teeth are much weaker and more sensitive to hot and cold without enamel.