In a country where the average person consumes 22 pounds of sugar each year… you likely have some sugar lurking between your teeth at some time in the day. But as we know from our favorite TV commercials, this is not good for our oral health nd gradually leads to gum disease (and worse).
But are any snacks good for teeth Yes!
These ten health snacks won’t harm your tooth and gum health anywhere near as much, and they’re all much better than the usual sugary snacks that’ll erode tooth enameland cause dental health problems.
Let’s take a closer look.
Apples
Surprisingly enough, apples are great for your teeth, and they’re one of the best fruit snacks you could have.
They act as a natural scrubber, removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth as you chew… (You can thank the high content of malic acid for that).
And they’re tasty too!
Dairy (Cheese, Milk, Yogurt)
Dairy is packed full of calcium, which helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
This makes them less susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the calcium in dairy can help reduce plaque build-up, and eating cheese can help rebalance the pH levels in your mouth.
Meat & Fatty Fish
Meats and fatty fish are high in protein, and they’re also a good source of the mineral phosphorus, which is excellent for teeth and gums
They also contain Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb more calcium.
Nuts
All nuts (including almonds, cashews, and walnuts) are high in antioxidants, which help protect your teeth against decay.
They’re also great for helping to whiten your teeth naturally, but be careful not to overdo it – too much of a good thing can be bad for you!
Broccoli
This crunchy veggie is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, essential for healthy teeth and gums.
It’s also high in fiber (which helps to prevent plaque build-up). What’s more, it’s super tasty and can be eaten raw, steamed, or roasted without detracting from the benefits too much.
Onion
Onions are a great source of the mineral chromium, essential for healthy teeth and gums.
They’re also high in sulfur, which is another good mouth nutrient.
Plus, they add great flavor to dishes.
Green & Black Tea
Green and black tea are high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps protect your teeth from decay.
They’re also great for keeping your breath smelling fresh. These teas are an excellent alternative to coffee (which has a habit of staining your teeth over time).
Sugarless Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy… but only if it doesn’t contain sugar.
Look for chewing gum sweetened with xylitol or sorbitol (both natural alternatives), and make sure it contains the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Chewing sugar-free gum in-between meals is a great way to curb your appetite, remove food particles, and keep your teeth cleaner between brushing (especially if you’ve been eating sugary foods.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a superfood that contains calcium, iron, and magnesium.
They’re also a great source of fiber and protein, which helps reduce plaque build-up.
You can add them to anything or have a small bag on hand when you feel like munching.
Carrots
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and keeping your teeth white.
They’re also super tasty and can be eaten in many different ways.
For example,raw carrots taste great (and they’re ideal for snacking on the go), but they can also be cooked, steamed, or roasted and served with your evening meal. Don’t forget about baby carrots, either.
Summary
So, as you can see, many excellent, healthy snacks are suitable for your teeth and oral health, which means you can still enjoy some tasty treats without worry.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you’re doing everything else to promote good oral health, which includes visiting the dentist twice a year, brushing and flossing regularly, and staying away from sugary snacks whenever possible.
Ultimately, good oral health is key to having healthy teeth, and these ten snacks are a great place to start.
