We all know about the many foods that are bad for our teeth, but you may not be aware that there are actually several foods that keep your teeth healthy. Eating foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates can produce nasty bacteria that feed on the bits of food that are left behind. As these bacteria feed, they produce an acid that causes your teeth to decay.

However, a number of different foods that you eat can help you fight off the bacteria. Specific foods are effective in preventing these harmful little critters from producing acid. Once you are able to suppress the acid production in your mouth, you will be able to smile brightly with pretty, healthy teeth.

Here is a list of the top ten foods that can help you keep your teeth healthy:

  1. Celery – Celery is an effective weapon against the bacteria inside your mouth. In addition to the obvious health benefits of eating celery, it also causes you to chew more, producing additional saliva. As you generate saliva, it kills the bad bacteria present in the mouth. Celery may not taste as good, but is a healthy alternative to plaque-producing potato chips. The extra water contained in celery is a good way to clean your teeth, sort of like naturally brushing your teeth.
  2. Onions – You may not think so, but eating onions is a great way to eliminate harmful bacteria inside the mouth. When you eat an uncooked onion, the substances in the onion work to destroy the bacteria that are eating away at your teeth. You may be concerned about stinky breath, but the benefits are worth it. Simply follow up with some sugar free gum and you are good to go.
  3. Shitake Mushrooms – Shitake Mushrooms work similar to onions in destroying the harmful bacteria, but they also prevent the buildup of plaque, which can turn into cavities if you do not take care of your teeth properly.
  4. Cheese – A tasty option for keeping your teeth looking great, cheese contains elements that are good for keeping your teeth healthy. Cheese makes you produce additional saliva, which destroys the harmful bacteria inside your mouth. In addition, cheese also works to prevent discoloration of your teeth.
  5. Strawberries – Strawberries are a great natural way to whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth daily with strawberries as a healthy alternative to potentially harmful whitening gels.
  6. Oranges – Like strawberries, oranges are also fantastic tooth whiteners. Rub a little of the skin of an orange rind on your teeth after brushing to take advantage to the benefits.
  7. Milk – Milk is a tasty way to keep your teeth healthy. The calcium in dairy products is effective in keeping the teeth strong. In addition, the Vitamin D helps the calcium to be absorbed more efficiently.
  8. Meat – Meat, fish and eggs are an excellent source of phosphorus that is needed for tooth enamel formation.
  9. Bananas – Bananas are high in magnesium, which is also needed to help the enamel of the teeth form properly. Whole grain foods and spinach are also good sources of magnesium.
  10. Carrots – Carrots and other orange-colored vegetables and fruit are great sources of beta-carotene, which is turned into Vitamin A by the body for strong teeth and bones.

Courtesy: Mary Ward