Top 10 food tips for fabulous teeth!
1. Water, water, water!
Having a sip of water after your meal, not only washes away food debris or acid from your mouth, it can hydrate your body and has no calories or sugar.
2. Cheese
Research has shown that by eating cheese, this raises the pH in your mouth, reducing the acidity and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Cheese is also important source of calcium and nutrients which can help to make your enamel stronger.
3. Yoghurt
Plain yoghurt is also an excellent source of calcium to strengthen your teeth. The probiotics found in yoghurt contains millions of good bacteria which can help you to combat the bad bacteria causing tooth cavities and gum disease.
4. Carrots
Accompany with your salad have a few sticks of raw carrots. Not only are they rich in fibre, they can help increase your saliva as you crunch on them, reducing your tooth decay risk.
5. Cut back on citrus
Although historically, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, dentists will tell you to cut back on eating citrus fruits such as apples, oranges, grapefruits and pineapples. The acid from these fruits can be harmful to your enamel and may thin away your teeth by acid erosion.
6. Celery
Make celery your best friend. Not only is celery high in vitamin C and A which helps maintain healthy gums, the action required to eat crunchy celery, scraps away food particles on your teeth. A great way to end your meal with a stick of celery or as a snack with some cottage cheese!
7. Oily fish
Oily fish if a great way to boost your levels of vitamin D. Eating oily fish can supply high levels of vitamin D which can increase the absorption of calcium by your bones and teeth by 90%.
8. Chewing gum
Chewing gum can stimulate your natural saliva which helps protect your teeth. Any acid attacks are reversed by chewing gum however it must be sugar free, to make it really count.
9. Almonds
Add Almonds to your diet as a healthy snack or add on top of a stir fry. Not only are they low in sugar, they are a great source of calcium and protein. A great snack for children!
10. Calcium
Lastly remember in order to help fight tooth decay, stock up your body’s level in calcium with calcium rich foods such as milk, kale, water cress, broccoli and sardines with bones.