7 Foods Dentists Say Are Surprisingly Good for Your Teeth
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Good dental hygiene goes beyond flossing and brushing—it also has to do with the foods and drinks you consume. While milk is most commonly associated with healthy teeth, there are multiple foods that offer a variety of nutrients that help promote dental health.
“Some foods are naturally more ‘tooth-friendly’ because they help strengthen and protect your smile, whether it’s how they interact with your teeth or surrounding soft tissue,” says orthodontist Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MSD. “These good-for-your-teeth foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and various natural compounds that reinforce enamel, fight harmful bacteria, stimulate saliva flow, and simultaneously support healthy gums and the oral cavity.” In order to achieve and maintain healthy teeth, we asked dentists for seven foods you should reach for more often.
Cheese
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“Cheese is rich in calcium and phosphate,” says cosmetic dentist Dr. Sandip Sachar. “These help strengthen tooth enamel. Cheese also helps to balance oral pH by neutralizing acid in the mouth. It also stimulates saliva production, which washes away food particles and bacteria.” It’s also the perfect go-to snack on days when you don’t have time to prepare a more elaborate dish.
Ginger
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Besides adding flavor to some of your favorite meals, ginger is a great way to boost your oral health. “Ginger acts by helping neutralize the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath,” Fraundorf says. You can mix ginger into anti-inflammatory dishes like stir-frys, fatty fish, and curries, or enjoy it in a non-alcoholic beverage form like ginger ale or ginger beer.
Sugar-Free Gum
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Gum is often warned against due to its sticky impact on our teeth, but Fraundorf explains that sugar-free gum can be an effective—and healthy—alternative. “Studies show that cavities are significantly lower in patients who chew sugar-free gum for twenty minutes after meals,” she says. “Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food particles as well as dilute and neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria on teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities, stains, and bad breath.”
Leafy Greens
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“Fibrous textures act like a natural toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque,” Fraundorf explains. “Leafy greens also provide calcium, [which] protects enamel, and folic acid, [which] supports gum tissue health.” Along with the many impressive health benefits of adding more greens to your diet, they’re also great for your teeth.
Oats
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If you start your morning off with a bowl of oats, you’re in luck. “Oats are rich in B vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium,” Dr. Sachar says. “These help contribute to healthy gums. Their fiber content also promotes saliva production during chewing.” You can even enhance your bowl of oats with seasonal fruits, spices, or yogurt.
Carrots
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“Just like dogs benefit from chewing carrots to clean their teeth, crunchy foods like apples or carrots can have a mild cleansing effect on ours,” says restorative dentist Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS. “Their crunchy texture provides a natural scrubbing effect, helping reduce buildup on teeth.” Plus, nothing beats pairing carrot sticks with your condiment of choice.
Quinoa
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Last—but certainly not least—quinoa is a delicious, texturally satisfying, and oral hygiene-promoting food. “Quinoa is high in calcium, magnesium, and phosphate,” Dr. Sachdar says. “All these support tooth enamel health. It’s also protein-rich and does not stick to the teeth like other starchy foods can.”
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