12 Best Foods For Healthy Teeth (Infographic)

Teeth have the primary function of cutting food and tearing it apart in preparation for the digestion process. It helps properly break down the large composition of what we eat in order to be processed easier and more efficiently. It can be maintained by proper brushing of the teeth. The foods we also take have a great impact on its overall health.

Chew and Look Great

Teeth are usually overlooked because of their immediate purpose. Some rely on them for visual beauty. However, the actual purpose of the teeth which is for chewing and tearing down food is seldom thought of. The functions of the teeth are vital to our nutrition. It helps break down large chunks of food for digestion, keeps a steady jaw, and retains the shape of the bones.

Best foods to eat for a healthier heart

Because the heart is a vital part of the body, these food suggestions are the best choice if you want to specifically help your heart out.

1.Eggs

Teeth need calcium to build the protective enamel. In order to absorb the calcium, Vitamin D comes into the picture. As such, egg yolks are rich in Vitamin D and provide the necessary nutrition for teeth to absorb calcium, which in turn helps them build and maintain healthier teeth.

The recommended intake for eggs is 2-3 for per day and 1 for people who are diabetic. A variety of dishes can be made with eggs, most notably:

– Bread, Pastries, and usual Desserts

– Omelet, or Scrambled Eggs coupled with Vegetables

– Poached or Hard-boiled Eggs

2.Fish

Most fish have Vitamin D, helping calcium to be absorbed by the teeth and gums better, effectively protecting them from disease. Fish also have omega-3 fatty acid which is linked with lower rates of gum disease as they are anti-inflammatory.

The recommended daily intake for oily fish is 2 servings per week, which can be cooked in different ways such as:

– Lightly fried with Vegetables on the side

– Fish Chowder

– Sesame Fish Fillets

– Grilled Salmon and Vegetables

3.Citrus

This is a double-edged sword if consumed wrong. As Citrus fruits pack a lot of Vitamin C that is essential for the growth and maintenance of the body’s tissues, eating too much acidic fruits or exposing them to the teeth may break off the enamel protecting them. Make sure to consume the least acidic of them or at least minimize the consumption.

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin C is about 60-100 mg. For reference, an orange has about 45 mg, while mangoes have about 37 mg of Vitamin C. Make sure to take note of the acidity of each fruit to avoid harming the teeth while acquiring the vitamin.

4.Milk

One of the most basic nutrients necessary for teeth and gum health, calcium is an important nutrient usually found in milk. The calcium is essential in helping build and fortify healthy bones, which includes the teeth. This then helps protect the mouth against gum diseases.

The recommended daily intake for milk is about 3 to 4 cups for adults. This is because the daily recommended calcium intake is 1200mg, whereas 8oz milk has 300mg of calcium. Milk can be consumed in a variety of ways:

– Drank by itself

– Mixed with desserts or shakes

– Mixed in with different food such as eggs or toast

5.Potherb

Generally, potherbs are good for the teeth. Such plants including spearmints are good for the teeth it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. These then help prevent gum diseases and protects the mouth from infections. Bad breath can also be removed with the help of chewing spearmints.

Potherbs refer to a lot of different herbs grown for culinary use. It depends on the type of plant for their respective recommended daily intake.

6.Pumpkin

This particular vegetable is a surprisingly good food for dental health. Pumpkins are high in zinc and can boost gum health, helping avoid bleeding gums. Magnesium works hand-in-hand with calcium to create strong enamel for the teeth. Vitamin A helps promotes healing of damaged gums. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, including the teeth and gums.

The recommended daily intake for pumpkins is about a cup. This ensures that you get to enjoy the health benefits of the vegetable while keeping its high sugar level minimal. There are different dishes that serve pumpkin, including:

– Creamy Pumpkin Soup

– Pumpkin Muffin with Oats

– Pumpkin Pie

– Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

7.Apple

Considered as nature’s toothbrush, apples are a healthy food option that is known to naturally scrub the teeth. The action of eating an apple causes friction to the teeth, removing plaque and build-up. It also stimulates saliva to form, cleaning the teeth and gums.

The recommended daily intake for apples is as what the saying goes, one apple for a day. Too much apples in a day could add more to your sugar count and risks more problems for your teeth. There are a number of ways to serve apples. Some include:

– Eating it by itself

– Eat along with other fruits

– Press into a juice or smoothie

– Mix with other spreads such as peanut butter

8.Kale

Packed with various teeth-healthy nutrients, Kale is also a great choice for vegetables. Kale is packed with Calcium and Folic Acid, meant to strengthen the enamel around the teeth and for preventing gum-related diseases. The act of chewing the vegetable also increases saliva production, naturally cleansing the teeth.

The recommended intake of kale is around 3 to 4 cups per week. This is best suited with a varied combination of food to maximize the health benefits of the vegetable. You can enjoy this for a variety of dishes including:

– Whole Wheat Pasta with Kale and Chicken

– Kale Salad with Mixed Fruits

– Braised Kale, Potatoes, and Sausage

– Baked Kale Chips

9.Carrot

One of the healthiest vegetables, Carrots contribute greatly with teeth health. It is packed with Beta carotene, Fiber, Vitamin A, C, K, Potassium, Folate, Iron, and Manganese. Carrots provide anti-bacterial properties that stimulate the gums and kills germs that cause tooth decay. It also stimulates saliva production for a healthier mouth.

The recommended daily intake for carrots is about ½ cup of the vegetable. This nutrient-packed food is a great addition with other dishes. Some recommended combinations include:

– Roasted Carrot

– Parmesan Herb Carrot Fries

– Carrot Pineapple Smoothie

– Carrot Cake

10.Cottage Cheese

The cheese is not just delicious, but is also a great choice for tooth health. It has a good amount of calcium that helps strengthen the teeth. It also helps produce saliva, naturally cleaning the mouth. Phosphate also helps replenish the nutrients lost while eating other foods.

For this delicious and healthy cottage cheese, the recommended intake is about 1 cup or less per day. This ensures you don’t overeat due to its great taste. A number of recipes may be used to create healthy dishes for this, such as:

– Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Shake

– Cottage Cheese Pancakes

– Cottage Cheese Cilantro Guacamole

– White Pizza Quinoa

11.Bow Onion

A very delicious, yet odorous vegetable, the onion is a healthy vegetable used in a lot of dishes. The vegetable is unpopular with its bad-breath inducing taste. However, with its antibacterial sulphur content, it can kill most bacteria residing in the mouth. This helps curb tooth decay and promote a healthy environment for mouth health.

Because of its health benefits, it is recommended to eat an onion a day. This equates to about a cup per day. Some notable dishes of the vegetable include:

– Onion Rings

– Onion Soup

– Caramelized Onion and Cheese Quesadilla

– Feta and Caramelized Onion Tart

– Chicken and Onion Mac and Cheese

12.Honey

Naturally healthy yet sweet, Honey has a lot of nutritious qualities that complements its taste. This sweet by-product helps curb oral infections and other mouth-related diseases. It also prevents plaque formation around the teeth. It is a great sweetener that is not like sugar that usually damages teeth.

There is no concrete recommended intake for honey. However, a general rule is to take about 6 teaspoons per day to maximize its health benefits. Some delicious dishes you could make with honey include:

– Asian Chicken Wings

– Honey-brined Shrimp

– Lemon Honey Chicken

– Berries with Honey and Cheese

– Pancake and Honey

Teeth for Digestion and Appearance

The teeth serve an integral part for providing nutrition to the body. Although not as vital as our internal organs, they help break down what we eat in order to guide the food towards good digestion and nutrient absorption. Besides this fact, it also gives a great appearance when properly maintained, giving the look of a well-groomed person.