Since our teeth are the first to interact with the foods we eat, we can’t ignore them when we think about our diets.
Just like the rest of the body, different foods are better for your teeth and gums than others. Some foods contain minerals that help to strengthen teeth, others promote production of saliva to wash away bacteria and plaque buildup, and still others can help to remove food particles that get stuck on or between teeth just through the act of eating them.
Here are just 5 examples of fortifying foods for your teeth:
Water. Depending on where you live, water can be fluoridated, meaning it is treated with fluoride for the purpose of strengthening teeth. Drinking water also helps to wash away bacteria and food particles that stick on or between teeth.
Citrus. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons strengthen gums through their high concentration of vitamin C. Back in the days of sailing ships, crews used to eat vitamin C rich foods like limes and sauerkraut in order to prevent scurvy—two of the main symptoms of which are gum disease and the loss of teeth. (more…)