SURPRISING FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH

If you’re like me and used the beginning of 2019 as your trial months and is now ready to start on the journey back to your mindset of “new year, new me”, then you’re in the right place. I feel like year after year we always have the same New Year’s resolutions- get fit, lose weight, go to the gym, etc.- and by the second week of January we have already lost all motivation and adopt the mindset of “happy is healthy, right?” After much self-reflection on what makes me happy and what works and doesn’t work for myself and my body, this month I decided I’m going to get back on track by making small, achievable goals that will eventually lead me to my big, overall goal of maintaining a happy life and healthy lifestyle. My small goal is switching up my eating habits and changing what I eat on a daily basis to foods that are actually good for my body.

6 foods that are not only healthy for your body, but also your teeth!

Cheese

If you’re a fellow cheese lover, than I’ve got some good news for you. Eating cheese actually raises a person’s pH levels in their mouths which lowers their risk for tooth decay. The chewing that is required to eat cheese increases the amount of saliva which has chemicals and substances that are good for digestion and keeping your teeth strong. Cheese also consists of calcium and protein which are nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel.

Yogurt

Just like cheese, yogurt is also high in calcium and protein, but also has probiotics (the good bacteria), that help benefit your gums by pushing out the bad bacteria surrounding your teeth that causes cavities. If you chose to add more yogurt to your everyday diet, choose plain yogurt and add your own fruit for flavor rather than a flavor that already has fruit and sugar added.

Apples

With a texture that is similar to that of a toothbrush, apples are able to wipe away all the food and bacteria left on your teeth from your meal, giving you a nice clean until you’re able to brush your teeth with actual toothpaste. Apples are also high in fiber and water which produces saliva helping to flush away bad bacteria and remaining food particles.

Celery

Although celery has a bad rap for being tasteless, watery, and full of annoying strings that you can never seem to break, it can also act like a toothbrush. Celery sticks scrape the food particles and bacteria off of your teeth, giving them a little clean. Celery is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which are two antioxidants that stimulate your gums and boost their health.

Salmon

Good for your overall health, as well as your oral health, Salmon is full of vitamin D. This helps your body better absorb calcium and help move that calcium to where your body needs it most. Salmon is a superfood that not only tastes good and is healthy for your body, but it will also help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Strawberries

These little fruity cuties are packed full of good nutrients that protect your heart, cholesterol, and blood pressure as well as provide you with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Strawberries also contain a good type of acid called malic acid, which is a natural teeth whitener for enamel. Although it may seem like they are staining your teeth, they are actually doing the opposite!