The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

While often overlooked, diet is an important aspect of maintaining
healthy, long-lasting teeth. While it’s common knowledge that sugary
foods contribute to weak teeth and an increased risk of cavities, what’s
less understood are the foods that help improve tooth strength and
appearance.

In this article, we cover some of the best and worst foods for your
teeth. By the end, you’ll be amazed at how small changes to your diet
can improve your smile and keep your teeth strong and healthy for years to come!

Best Foods for Your Teeth

1.    Dairy

While large amounts of dairy may not be the best for your waistline,
moderate amounts of foods like cheese, yogurt, and milk are low in sugar
and high in calcium, an important mineral for maintaining bone density.
That means stronger teeth! Additionally, milk and cheese lower ph
levels in the mouth, helping to fight tooth decay and strengthen enamel.

2.    Leafy Greens

In addition to improving overall health by providing your body with
essential vitamins and minerals, leafy greens are also great for your
teeth. The calcium and folic acid found in leafy greens like spinach,
kale, and arugula improve tooth strength as well as gum health. And, as
if that isn’t enough, fibrous greens like spinach help clean your teeth while you eat!

3.    Nuts

Nuts, like almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews, are another important
source of calcium. But, unlike dairy, regular consumption of nuts is
great for your overall health as well. Nuts also contain tons of
essential vitamins, including D, E, B6, potassium, and zinc. These
vitamins improve tooth health while helping to fight harmful bacteria
that can lead to tooth decay.

Worst Foods for Your Teeth

1.    Candy

It should come as no surprise that high concentrations of sugar are
bad for your teeth. Plaque bacteria use sugar to produce acids that
attack your enamel, wearing it down and weakening your teeth over time.
Consistent consumption of sugary treats like candy can eventually lead
to cavities and tooth infection. Soft drinks, chewy candy, and sour
candy are among the most harmful.

2.    White Bread

While it may seem harmless enough, the refined starches and added
sugar found in a plain piece of store-bought white bread can wreak havoc
on your teeth. While you chew, your saliva breaks down starches into
sugar. This sugar, in addition to the added sugar, often gets stuck
between teeth and can cause cavities. To avoid excessive starch and
added sugar, go with whole wheat bread instead.

3.    Citrus

While fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are loaded with
vitamin C, they’re also extremely acidic. Citric acid erodes enamel,
increasing the risk of tooth decay. But that doesn’t mean you should
avoid these healthy fruits altogether! Practice moderation when it comes
to citrus consumption, and rinse with water afterward to enjoy the full
benefits of your favorite fruits without sacrificing the health of your
teeth.