Keys Tips for Strengthening Your Teeth
Jul 07, 2017
We all know that eating sugar promotes tooth decay, but it’s easy to overlook sneaky sources of sugar that can be just as detrimental as the occasional cookies and ice cream.
Daily activities like sipping on sports drinks, a drizzle of honey in your cup of tea, or taming a cough with throat lozenges can be destructive and easy to dismiss. The good news is some foods can actually strengthen your pearly whites!
Dark Leafy Greens! It may come as no surprise that “dental health” should be added to the laundry list of benefits of dark leafy greens. From kale and collard greens, to spinach and Swiss chard, they provide a stockpile of vitamins and minerals (like calcium and folic acid) that support a healthy smile. Aim to add a few handfuls of dark leafy greens to your smoothies, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Tea time. Enjoying a few cups of green, white, or black tea each day may reduce levels of harmful bacteria for healthier gums, stronger teeth, and fresher breath. Either iced or hot, tea is a healthy beverage option any time of day!
H2O is the most convenient tool for ridding teeth of debris, and fluorinated water supports strong enamel. “Wash” your mouth with gulps of water between meals to keep teeth clean and free of residue. As an added bonus, you’ll stay hydrated, have more energy, have better digestion, and sport a dewy glow!
Crispy & Crunchy Produce like apples, carrots, celery, and jicama naturally remove build up from teeth, stimulate gums, and increase saliva production for a healthy mouth. Nosh on crisp produce to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Yogurt contains calcium, phosphorous, and casein which may protect against decay. In fact, research indicates yogurt may have an additional benefit of providing probiotics, or good bacteria, to support a healthy mouth. Yogurt is a healthy, protein-rich option perfect for when you’re on the go!
Author:
Sarah Mattison Berndt, MS, RD, CD
Owner Fit Fresh Cuisine & Hybrid Athletic Club
www.fitfreshcuisine.com
www.hybridathleticclub.com
