Brushing and flossing are only the beginning of proper dental hygiene. There are many beneficial habits to develop in order to keep your smile bright and beautiful, but don’t forget the tremendous cleansing capabilities of common meals. Below are the foods listed by a dentist in Murray Hill that are excellent for your teeth. These will aid in the development of healthy teeth and gums, as well as the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
Foods Highly Recommended by Dentists
Chocolate
Yes, you read that correctly. Chocolate! (If it contains at least 70% cacao and is consumed in moderation.)
Dark chocolate is a superfood for your teeth because it contains a component called cocoa bean husk (CBH), which has been shown to help harden tooth enamel, reducing the risk of tooth decay. However, not all chocolate is beneficial to your health. The good thing is found in the cocoa bean, not the chocolate, so go for the dark chocolate and remember to brush your teeth afterward.
It’s best to avoid chocolate with nuts if you have braces. It’s also a good idea to keep your chocolate sweets at room temperature rather than in the fridge, as cold, hard chocolate can be difficult to chew.
Black and Green Teas
Polyphenols, found in both green and black tea, interact with plaque-causing bacteria, killing or inhibiting them. Bacteria feed on the sugars in your mouth and then emit acidic acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. Also, tea is an excellent choice during or after a meal since it reduces the prevalence of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Onion
While you may not enjoy biting into an onion, adding it to salads or stir fries might help strengthen your teeth. In reality, the humble onion helps eliminate harmful germs in the mouth and throughout the body, making it a true superfood.
Celery
Celery is a high-fiber vegetable that is worth mentioning when it comes to maintaining your dental health. With each delectable bite, this crunchy superfood effectively cleans your teeth. Because it needs aggressive chewing, it creates a lot of bacteria-fighting saliva, which is beneficial to your general oral health.
Water
The breakdown of food, neutralization of bacterial acid and prevention of dental decay all require optimal levels of water in your saliva. While water isn’t as effective as a toothbrush and floss in removing plaque, it can help by rinsing away food particles. After drinking coffee or eating highly pigmented meals, rinsing with water can help decrease tooth stains.
Oranges
Given that oranges are a citrus fruit, this one may come as a surprise. It contains vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels and connective tissue and, by lowering inflammation, inhibits the onset of gum disease.
Make oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits a regular part in your fruit bowl. But, remember to wait at least half an hour after eating citrus fruits before cleaning your teeth since the acidic component may harm them.
Vegetables and Fruits
If you don’t have a toothbrush with you, don’t worry. Fruits and vegetables high in fiber are your next best bet. Their high fiber content ‘scrubs’ the teeth in the same way as a toothbrush does, and the extra chewing they require encourages saliva production.
Salad greens are packed with nutrients, and the high-water content of crisp, juicy fruits and vegetables helps to balance out their sugar level. Keep fresh carrots, celery, cucumber, and apples on hand at all times because they’re sometimes referred to as “nature’s toothbrushes”. So, when you forgot to bring your toothbrush at a weekend getaway, getting high in fiber fruit or vegetable will do the trick.
Effective Dental Health Tips From a Dentist in Murray Hill
At Coliseum Dental, we make sure that our tips are effective and practical. Schedule an appointment today to get in touch with our professionals.