11 Foods To Munch On For Healthy Teeth

Foods which are the building blocks for healthy teeth are readily available. In order to offer the best of nutrition the choices are plentiful and can be varied to satisfy the most discriminating palates. Check out these foods that promise healthy pearly whites and pick which ones you'll try to eat more of.

Nuts

For stronger teeth and gums, nuts are your best friends. They contain protein, vitamins and calcium. Almonds, which contain a high amount of protein, are touted for their enamel enriching value. Sesame seeds are also helpful for tooth health due to high calcium content.

Carrots

Carrots are a great vegetable for teeth, due to fiber and hardness. They serve to stimulate the gums. The beta-carotene in carrots helps the body make vitamin A, which is important for making strong teeth. It helps to crunch on raw vegetables at the end of meals. Besides carrots, this would include radishes, celery and beetroot.

Fish

Fish has vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption, and omega 3 fatty acids, which ward off gum disease. Fatty fish such as salmon are the highest in these omega 3 fatty acids, but should be eaten in moderation.

Apples

Apples are a great fiber rich fruit which help clean the teeth. They are not a substitute for brushing, but they do help, in the meantime. Chewing is the key to stimulating the gums and cut back on bacteria. Munching on apples will also help your saliva flow more regularly, which is essential for clean teeth.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains healthy bacteria which works as a protector of the gums and teeth. Kefir, which is a yogurt based drink, also supplies phosphorous and calcium, which strengthens teeth. Some people prefer this over yogurt, so you could give it a try if your not a yogurt fan.

Low Fat Cheese

Calcium is one of the most important minerals for teeth, and of course cheese is an excellent source. Low-fat cheese helps keep an alkaline balance in the mouth. This is helpful to not only fight bacteria but also make tooth enamel stronger.

Dark Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy green vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage, chard, collard greens, kale endive, mustard greens, spinach, turnip greens and watercress come with such a large variety of minerals and vitamins, to maintain and help dental health. You will find vitamins A and C, beta carotene, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Milk

Milk has calcium and phosphorous to make stronger enamel. It also helps with continuing to supply healthy minerals and encourages secretion of saliva. This works to prevent teeth from invasion of bacteria and balances pH levels. If regular milk cannot be tolerated, there are alternatives available which contain added calcium.

Broccoli

Broccoli is very rich in vitamin C and has a good amount of phosphorus. Add cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale to the mix and be assured of healthy dental care. Broccoli and kale also contain the very important vitamin K, which helps strengthen enamel when it is teamed up with vitamin D.

Chicken

Chicken is another phosphorous rich food and contains essential vitamin D. These are needed in order to help calcium do it’s job, in order to enrich and develop healthy teeth and bones. The protein found in chicken also helps keep away tooth decay.

Water

Water serves to clean the mouth. If bacteria sits for a while in the teeth, it can start eating away at the enamel, so water is essential. Water also works against high acidic foods and drinks, so they do not harm teeth. To build a strong immunity and help keep gum disease at bay, drink plenty of water.