The popularity of dieting highlights the fact that most people understand the importance of healthy, controlled eating habits. If you’ve ever had a cavity, or been embarrassed by bad breath, then you might also realize that certain eating habits can have a significant impact on your dental health, as well. Fortunately, the relationship between food and your teeth is a two-way street, and some foods can actually help you more successfully prevent cavities.
Cavity-Fighting Foods
- Apples and other crunchy fruits/veggies—Sure, they’re famous for their value to fitness and weight control. But the fibrous textures of apples, celery, and other crunchy fruits and veggies act as tiny, natural scrubbers that help keep your teeth clean. They also generate a healthy flow of saliva—your mouth’s natural anti-bacterial, anti-cavity rinse.
- Milk, cheese, sugar-free yogurt, and other dairy products—Another favorite for those wishing to maintain their body’s strength and endurance is milk and other dairy products. Their rich composition of calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and other minerals and nutrients make dairy foods and beverages a blessing for your teeth and gums, which rely on such nutrition to remain strong, healthy, and disease-free.
- Unsweetened chocolate—It’s true; the treat that was once thought too good to be true contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help keep your mouth, body, and immune system working properly. The darker the chocolate, and especially the lower amount of added sugar, the more benefits chocolate can offer your dental health.
