Our teeth do a lot for us. They help us chew, speak, and of course, flash that sparkling smile. But what you eat every day can either keep them strong or slowly wear them down. That's true. Not all types of food are suitable for your teeth. Some may naturally protect your enamel, while others can quietly cause staining and cavities over time. And we bet you don't want that, right? If you wish to keep your teeth healthy, here's a quick guide to the best and worst foods for your teeth, as shared in research by the University of Rochester Medical Center. Take a look!
Also Read: 5 Everyday Foods That May Be Ruining Your Teeth - What You Must Eat Instead
Which Foods Are Best For Your Teeth? Here Are 5 Best Foods:
These foods will help clean, strengthen and protect your teeth naturally. These include:
1. Cheese
Cheese is rich in calcium and helps neutralise acids in your mouth after meals. It also increases saliva production, which is your mouth's natural defense system. Bonus? Cheese doesn't cause cavities. In fact, it helps prevent them.
Photo Credit: iStock
2. Crunchy Fruits And Veggies
The crunch helps scrub plaque off your teeth and the high water content boosts saliva flow. Some crunchy fruits and veggies you can include in your diet include apples, carrots and celery.
3. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale and other greens are full of calcium, folic acid and important vitamins that strengthen your teeth and gums. Don't like the bitter taste of leafy greens? No worries! You can even use them to make delicious smoothies and juices.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews are low in sugar and high in minerals. Chewing them also stimulates saliva, which keeps harmful bacteria in check. Make sure to choose unsalted and unsweetened versions.
5. Green & Black Tea
Teas contain polyphenols that fight bacteria and reduce acid levels in your mouth. They also help reduce plaque buildup. Just rinse with water afterward to prevent staining.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Which Foods Are Worst For Your Teeth? Here Are 5 Foods To Avoid:
Now that you know about foods that are good for your teeth, let's explore the ones you should steer clear of:
1. Sticky Candies
Sticky candies like toffees and gummies taste great but they get stuck in your teeth and stay there for hours, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. The stickier they are, the worse it gets. If you must indulge, rinse or brush soon after.
2. Sugary Sodas And Energy Drinks
Sugar sodas and energy drinks can also harm your teeth to a great extent. They not only have high sugar content but can also cause high acidity. Both can weaken your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. So, avoid them as much as you can.
Photo Credit: iStock
3. White Bread
It might surprise you but white bread turns into sugar in your mouth and sticks between your teeth. This feeds bacteria and can lead to decay. Try switching to whole-grain bread, which has less impact on your teeth.
4. Citrus Fruits
While they're healthy, citrus fruits are acidic and can erode tooth enamel if eaten in excess. Eat them as part of meals rather than alone and be sure to rinse afterward. These include fruits like oranges and lemons.
Also Read: 3 Foods That Cause Cavities And Ruin Your Teeth. The Last One Is Most Shocking
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Ice
Did you know ice can harm your teeth as well? Ice might be sugar-free but chewing it can chip or crack your teeth over time. So, always sip it along with the drink, don't crunch it.
You don't have to give up every treat but knowing what's good or bad for your teeth helps you make smarter choices.