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We all know that certain foods are just naturally bad for your teeth. Yet, why do those foods somehow always tend to be the most delicious? Various sweets and candies, starchy foods, carbonated soft drinks, and certain alcoholic drinks like wine can all be harmful to your teeth without proper care. What many people don’t know is that there are certain foods that can actually be beneficial for your teeth and actively prevent cavities. These four foods are excellent to prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy.
Apples
You know the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Turns out it can keep you out of the dentist’s chair as well. Many fruits are high in sugars that lead to tooth decay. However, apples have very little sugar and chewing on an apple produces salvia in the mouth that works to prevent plaque from building up during the day. Apples also lower the level of bacteria inside the mouth, which also generates more salvia, keeping cavities from forming. Even though apples have benefits for your teeth, they do still contain sugar. It’s best to make sure you still brush your teeth after eating them to be safe.
Milk
Many times the eating process alters the pH levels in your mouth and that unbalanced pH level can lead to the formation of cavities. Drinking a glass of milk, preferably in the morning, will help keep those pH levels balanced many hours after drinking milk. Make it a goal to drink a glass of milk sometime during the day. It will also provide you with calcium your teeth need in order to build important minerals for stronger enamel. Strong enamel will prevent early decay or cavities from forming.
Green or Black Tea
Both green and black teas are not only excellent for your internal health, but they also have many benefits for your teeth and tooth enamel. These specific teas have things called polyphenols that work to both kill existing plaque and to stop more plaque from developing. If you don’t have time to brush, having a cup of green or black tea with a meal is a great way to prevent plaque from building up during the day. These types of teas can also help promote healthy gums. Green tea specifically can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, resulting in better overall oral health.
Sugar-Free Gum
The key word here is sugar-free. Chewing regular gum with sugar can actually lead to the development of cavities. However, sugar-free gum contains an ingredient called xylitol. This works to actively prevent plaque from building up. It also has the ability to reduce tooth decay that already exists. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a walk down the candy aisle and find all the options of sugar-free gum with cavity fighting properties.
Preventative measures are always the best way to avoid time-consuming procedures or dentist’s visits. However, if you do find yourself with a cavity or are in need of an emergency dentist, there are many dentists that can also give you recommendations that are specific to your teeth’s current help.
Remember, you only get one set of teeth in your life, so it is important to take good care of them. Don’t just focus on the foods you shouldn’t be eating to protect your teeth, but be mindful of ones that can actually help them. Consider adding the above 4 foods to your regular diet in order to start seeing the benefits.
