Plaque can be your teeth’s worst enemy. When this invisible, sticky substance begins to build on your teeth, it can expose your teeth to harmful bacteria. Not only does the bacteria eat away at your teeth’s enamel, causing tooth decay, it can also lead to bad breath and yellow teeth.
Your teeth are very important to your overall health, and proper dental education is essential. Sometimes brushing and flossing twice a day just isn’t enough. Although some foods encourage tooth decay, others help fight plaque buildup. Here are some foods that you should make part of regular your diet.
Plaque Fighting Foods
Dairy Products
Dairy products are great for creating saliva and it has been proven that saliva flow is a natural defense of plaque buildup. Dairy products are also rich in calcium and phosphorous, which can restore lost minerals back to your teeth enamel.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid and lots of important vitamins and minerals that will fight back against plaque. Just remember to floss!
Sugar-Free Gum
Gum is also a big saliva producer. Wash away those food particles with some sugarless gum.
Apples, Berries, Grapes
Why these three fruits? Antioxidants, that’s why. These fruits are high in antioxidants, meaning they will fight against bacteria that are out to attack your teeth. Will an apple a day keep the doctor away? Probably not, but it will help keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Meat and Fish
Most meats and fishes are full of important nutrients, including phosphorous. Phosphorus is sure to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Celery
Celery is beneficial for a variety of reasons. For one, the crunchiness of the celery causes more saliva to be produced. As we mentioned before, saliva is a natural neutralizer of the plaque and bacteria found on your teeth. Celery is also abrasive, so it scrubs and brushes your teeth as you eat it, removing food particles.
Strawberries
Strawberries have all the natural benefits you want and they also contain malic acid, which can help whiten your teeth over time.
Final Word
Thinking about dental plaque isn’t pleasant. But if left untreated, plaque can cause serious problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Speak to your dentist about further ways to prevent plaque formation.
