Which foods are good for your teeth?

When it comes to food and teeth most information relates to cutting back – but there are some foods that are actually good for your dental health.

Just like the rest of our wellbeing can be boosted by the foods we choose to eat, our teeth and gums can also benefit from eating particular foods.

So, while it is certainly wise to cut back on those sugary snacks and to watch out for food and drinks that can stain teeth there is some positive news. Here are some foods that you can tuck into and know you are doing your dental health some good into the bargain:

Apples

Apples are sweet, tasty, packed with vitamins and fibre – and as if that wasn’t enough their texture and watery content makes them act as a sort of natural toothbrush in between daily brushing sessions. By encouraging the mouth to produce more saliva, apples help to clear bacteria from teeth.

Green Tea

 Green tea has been heralded as a ‘super food’ due to the many health benefits attributed to drinking it from helping to prevent serious illnesses to losing weight. Studies have also suggested that drinking green tea could help to control periodontal health following on from gum disease.

Cheese

Some good news for cheese fans! Packed with calcium and protein, eating cheese will help to strengthen the enamel that protects teeth while the act of chewing it again creates saliva that balances acid in the mouth.

Greens

Another prolific health food champion, leafy greens are a great addition to your plate. Full of calcium – and other vitamins – they help to protect enamel.

Strawberries and oranges

While we still need to watch the acidic content of foods, these fruits are high in vitamin C, which is needed to produce collagen that is essential to good gum health. Strawberries also contain malic acid, which can help to naturally whiten the teeth.

Drink lots of water, brush twice a day and choose foods that bring added benefits to your teeth instead of sugary snack to keep your dental health in top condition.