Does an apple a day keep the dentist away? There is plenty of common knowledge to fall back on when it comes to promoting your beautiful smile. Apples, celery, carrots and cucumbers are good for your gut, in return making it good for your teeth. But there are many foods that do even more than help scour your teeth and keep them clean. Some foods can promote good oral health chemically and from within through proper nutrition. These same foods are good for our health in general.
Here are five foods that can help promote and maintain a healthier smile:
Garlic
Garlic isn't a food often thought of when it comes to a healthier smile or assisting in your oral health. In reality, garlic contains powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal substances. This can produce an undesirable effect on your breath, yet has the potential to purify your body. Your mouth is the first stop in garlic's janitorial journey through your system.
Tea
It's well known that most teas are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. They have polyphenols which can help to reduce the growth of the bacteria's that like to live in our mouths. Teas are lower in acid than coffee and soda. They do not stain your teeth as bad as coffee can (though darker teas like black tea tend to stain somewhat, it can easily be remedied with whitening treatments). There are also powerful anti-aging effects that can help nurture the health of your gums.
Cloves
These sweet and spicy herbs have been used to treat dental problems for centuries. They carry potent antimicrobial abilities which destroy the organisms that corrode your enamel. Cloves are also known for their ability to help relieve an excruciating pain of a toothache.
Dairy
Cheese and milk are known for their ability to strengthen your teeth and bones. They are rich in calcium and many other vital nutrients. Milk neutralizes acids in your mouth and can help to prevent tooth decay (as opposed to beverages like coffee and soda that can soften tooth enamel).
Strawberries
Surprised to see this popular, sweet and juicy fruit on our list of foods that are good for your teeth? Did you know strawberries actually have the ability to whiten your teeth? There is an acid found in strawberries’ bacteria and sugars that actually benefits your teeth. Though this natural acid has the potential to damage your enamel, so take a moment to rinse after eating these. You could also follow up with a neutralizing glass of milk.