Keeping our teeth strong into adulthood is largely dependent on our diet. Eating the right foods helps improve your health in all aspects, but certain food groups help strengthen teeth. Eating healthy foods will help you avoid gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and sensitive teeth. Here are some of the top foods that have been shown to have great results in strengthening your teeth. 

1- Milk Or Cheese

Foods that are full of calcium, including dairy, are often used to help repair tooth enamel. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and even plant-based milk are a great source of calcium. Sesame seeds, almonds, left greens, and beans are other options for calcium if you are not a fan of dairy foods. 

2- Vitamin C Foods 

There are many foods that are high in vitamin C, which provides a lot of health benefits for the body. vitamin C helps your immune system, cardiovascular health, and wound healing, and is an antioxidant. It is vital for connective tissue, bone, and tooth health. This is why vitamin C is helpful, because not only does it help fight off bacteria, but it strengthens your jaw bones and connective tissues. 

Foods high in vitamin C include:

• Guavas
• Yellow Peppers
• Oranges
• Black Currants
• Cantaloupe
• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Kiwis
• Lemons
• Lychees
• Strawberries
• Brussels sprouts

3- Fish

Many types of fish are full of omega-3s and vitamin D, both of which help the body to absorb more calcium. Eating fish can help strengthen your teeth by increasing the amount of calcium that is getting to your teeth. When your body doesn’t have enough calcium, it starts to break down the calcium in your bones and teeth. This can lead to tooth decay, sensitivity, and broken teeth. 

Fish is one of the few foods that actually contains vitamin D. Eating more fish or taking Vitamin D supplements can help you improve your calcium levels to strengthen your teeth. 

4- Whole Grains

Whole-grain foods are good for your dental health. Chewing on nuts or seeds will help scrape lingering plaque from your teeth. Nuts and seeds can also contain folic acid, vitamin D, and protein.

Try some of the options below:

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Poppy seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Sesame seeds

5- Water

Drinking water is the best way to keep your body functioning. Water helps to clean your mouth and reduce plaque that can lead to cavities. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will also help limit problems like dry mouth, bad breath, gum disease, and more. Swap your sugary drinks or coffee for more water to help limit staining or deterioration. 

If you are going to have wine with dinner or drink soda during the day, try following it with a glass of water to help rinse out oral bacteria. Drinking water helps you produce more saliva that helps clean your mouth throughout the day. 

6- Green Tea

Green tea has a lot of research on its benefits in fighting diseases. Green tea has antioxidants that help prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth and some options may contain fluoride that will fortify your tooth enamel. 

Other black tees also provide similar benefits but is less bitter than green tea. Try a milder tea to still gain some benefits for your teeth. 

Limiting the amount of plaque sitting on your teeth helps to strengthen them and prevent breakage. Plaque eats away at your enamel which protects the more sensitive parts of your tooth (nerves, tissue, etc.) 

7- Protein Rich Foods

The body uses protein to repair worn-out tissues, so increasing the amount of protein in your diet helps improve bone and tooth strength. Eggs, meat, beans, leafy greens, tofu, and nuts are all sources of protein that can help. 

Protein also helps level out the pH in your mouth and is responsible for cavities or gum disease. Foods with phosphorus are crucial for your overall health as it is found in your bones, cell membranes, and your blood pH. 

Strengthen Teeth With Sunset Dental Care

Sunset Dental is one of the best dentists in Utah. We want to help patients of all ages and backgrounds love their smiles. Your teeth go through a lot and help us with important tasks like talking, eating, and smiling. Losing your teeth is a very traumatic event, which is why proper dental cleanings are needed at least once a year.

Our team is happy to offer a state-of-the-art dental facility that helps patients feel safe. We use the highest quality tools and techniques to treat all kinds of dental issues. Our dentists and hygienists look forward to talking with you and learning about your health history.

There are many oral hygiene options that help to keep your teeth and tongue clean. In addition to toothpaste and traditional flossing, there are oral hygiene alternatives that people use to keep them feeling their best. Not all of these alternatives provide the type of cleaning you will get from regular brushing and dental cleanings. In this blog, we will look at the pros and cons of each option, so you can make the best decision for your oral health.

Oil-Pulling

The process of oil-pulling usually involves coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil. People swish this oil in their mouths for 15 minutes to help remove bacteria from the teeth and gums. This is one of the oral hygiene alternatives that is taking the online world by storm. Many influencers are sharing their experience with oil-pulling on social media more frequently than ever. 

Pros

Since oil-pulling is a relatively new practice, the scientific evidence to show the benefits does not exist. Many people report benefits from oil-pulling, but dental experts are not 100% confident in these benefits. Users report gingivitis prevention, improved breath, and less tooth sensitivity. 

Cons

As more information and research come out, the negative effects of oil-pulling will also come to light. Some users have shared dry mouth, increased thirst, muscular stiffness, and loss of taste.  

Charcoal Toothpaste

One of the most popular oral hygiene alternatives is charcoal toothpaste. Charcoal has been said to provide whitening benefits for their teeth. Activated charcoal is still being debated in the dental community, but it has been shown to remove stains on certain patient’s teeth. 

Pros

• Can show  improvement in surface stains
• May improve bad breath

Cons

• Too abrasive for everyday use
• Staining could occur, especially on older teeth
• Does not include fluoride, which prevents cavities and tooth decay

Natural Mouthwash

Many people are adopting herbal mouthwashes instead of ones with alcohol. Natural mouthwashes contain ingredients like tea tree oil or peppermint oil that help to freshen your breath and kill bacteria. 

Pros

Many of the ingredients in natural mouthwashes have antibacterial properties that help prevent gum disease and cavities. Some traditional mouthwashes contribute to the rise of antibacterial-resistant bacteria, which makes you more prone to cavities. 

Cons

There have been little to no consequences reported from users of natural mouthwash. This doesn’t mean that these mouthwashes will work best for everyone. Oral hygiene alternatives should always be used with caution and after you have done your own research. 

Tongue Scraping

Using tongue scrapers will help remove bacteria build-up and food debris on your tongue. Tongue scrapers are small just like flossers, so they can be used on the go and help improve your breath. 

Pros

• Reduce bad breath
• Cleaner and better-looking tongue
• Aid in your other oral care practices

Cons

• Could decrease oral microbiomes that could increase hypertension
• Irritation on your tongue
• Triggers gag reflex

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a popular option for home health remedies. Tea tree oil is found in many dental care products, but some patients want the oil in its purest form. Also known as melaleuca oil, the oil is obtained from the foliage of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. Some research shows that tea tree oil will prevent the cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth. 

Pros

Many dentists don’t recommend using tea tree oil, but it has been shown to have antibacterial properties and some anti-inflammatory action. This can help patients with sensitive gums or those with a genetic predisposition to cavities. 

Those who apply tea tree oil topically have said that it has lowered their risk of cavities by helping control germs inside the mouth. 

Cons

Tea tree oil can be toxic when ingested. It is important to be extremely cautious when using this oil in and around your mouth. A better way to utilize tea tree oil may be to find products infused with it, rather than potent oil. 

Dental Care From Sunset Dental

While some natural methods and oral hygiene alternatives can help in your oral health journey, there is nothing better for your teeth than professional dental cleaning. Sunset Dental Care provides dental cleanings and other services to help you have the best oral health possible. Our services will be explained in detail to each patient before any work is done. We are proud to offer a comfortable office space, clear communication, and comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. If you are looking to improve your oral health, reach out to our dentists in Sunset, UT today!