Did you know that it used to be fashionable to blacken your teeth in England? This trend was popular because the rich suffered tooth decay from ingesting sugar. The lower class wanted to replicate the look to appear as if they could afford sugary snacks.
In 2020, sugar has proliferated the globe. Now, tooth decay isn’t a sign of wealth; it’s a sign that you can’t afford proper dental care.
If sugar can destroy teeth, then other foods must be able to strengthen teeth, right? That’s right! Read on to learn about the top five foods you can eat to improve your dental health.
1. Dark Leafy Greens (Magnesium)
Our teeth and bones hold over 60% of our body’s magnesium. For that reason, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough magnesium in your diet. Otherwise, your body will pull the magnesium from your teeth and distribute it to your bones.
One of the most enjoyable ways to eat magnesium is by incorporating dark leafy greens into your diet. This includes:
.Baby spinach
.Kale
.Swiss chard
.Collard greens
It’s best to eat these foods raw if you want to gain the most magnesium.
2. Eggs (Protein)
Your body needs protein to repair and build worn-out tissues. It can help improve your jaw strength and your teeth. On top of that, protein also helps balance the pH level in your mouth. Get your protein with these foods: eggs, meat, beans, and nuts.
3. Oranges (Vitamin C)
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in your mouth. Your cells will use it to help form and strengthen your teeth. It will also kill off any existing bacteria lurking on your teeth when you eat it.
Get your vitamin C by eating grapefruit, oranges, kiwis, and cranberries.
4. Milk (Calcium)
Calcium is another mineral that’s crucial for your bones and teeth. In 2020, it’s pretty easy to get enough calcium in your diet through:
.Milk
.Cheese
.Dairy products
If you’re lactose intolerant, then you may struggle to get enough calcium. Don’t feel discouraged; try foods like soy milk and sesame seeds to meet your calcium needs.
5. Fish (Vitamin D)
Calcium is great, but it can have negative impacts on your teeth if your body can’t absorb it correctly. If that’s the case, your body will sap calcium from your teeth. That’ll leave you in need of cosmetic dentistry procedures to correct the damage.
Vitamin D (and magnesium) aid with this process and help your teeth build enamel. Vitamin D-rich foods include fatty fish, cheese, eggs, and beef liver.
How to Strengthen Teeth Through Your Diet
Your diet plays a huge role in your dental health. By changing up your diet, you can strengthen your teeth and enhance your smile. As a bonus, you’ll also be providing essential nutrients to the rest of your body, too!
Eating the right foods isn’t the only way to keep your smile bright, though. It’s also important to schedule regular checkups with your dentist near you. Are you ready to make book an appointment and get serious about your smile? Fill out our online form now, and we’ll reach out to you about getting started on a dental plan that you can smile about.