Healthy Habits - Alternative Food Items That Keep Your Teeth Clean
Regular brushing and flossing are generally the most common ways of keeping our teeth clean. Both practices are very effective in removing food particles and sugar that get stuck in between our teeth. These food particles are what allows the bacteria in our mouth to form plaque. Plaque then produces acid that slowly erodes the enamel in our teeth causing cavities. If ignored, cavities can cause bad breath and other dental issues like gum disease. This can be nasty and will not only affect your health - it can wreak havoc in your personal life as well. That is why we take all the precautions to avoid problems like this. Aside from brushing, flossing and going to the dentist, did you know that there are different types of food that will clean your teeth as you eat them? Keep on reading to find out.
Apples
Eating apples will clean your teeth and help fight bad breath. Apples being so fibrous act as toothbrushes that scrub at your teeth while you chew on them. Their acidity also helps in reducing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Just make sure to keep the skin on when eating an apple as it is the most fibrous part of the apple.
Tea
Tea or coffee? If you want to have cleaner teeth then go for tea. There are compounds, called polyphenols, that are present in black and green tea that slow the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Tea also has the ability to prevent bacteria from clumping together to form plaque. If plaque is already present, it can reduce its stickiness making it easier to remove when brushing.
Carrots
A carrot is another fibrous food that will clean your teeth while eating it. It also stimulates saliva production which will naturally clean your teeth. Another benefit that you can get from eating carrots is that they contain vitamin B which helps fight gingivitis.
Cheese
If you are a cheese aficionado then we have good news for you. Not only is it good for your teeth and bones, but it can also reduce the acidity in your mouth. The acid which is produced by plaque is the one that causes cavities. Just like the carrot, it also stimulates saliva production which cleanses your mouth. So next time you’re hungry, you know what to snack on.
