If hair is our ‘crowning glory’, our teeth serves as a significant key for a ‘killer smile’ and we all know that a smile can bring about new friendships. Now think if your teeth is broken, rotted and yellowish or and filled with plaque, surely it will repulse prospective friends than attract. That is why aside from brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly we should also be mindful to keep a healthy diet that can protect our teeth and smile!

Chew on these.

• Celery

  According to Lana Rozenberg, D.D.S a renowned holistic dentist in New York and the forerunner of Rozenberg Dental Day Spa Celery can help our teeth in two amazing ways. Celery is abrasive and hard which means that eating one or two requires a whole lot chewing (good exercise for your jaw as well), which causes the production of saliva that naturally aid and neutralize cavity causing bacteria in our mouths.

  Also, the vegetable aids in cleaning spaces between our teeth that our toothbrushes can’t reach and it also helps massage and strengthen the gums, and it also averts the growth of plaque. So keep in mind. A Celery a day keeps the dentist away!

• Peppermint

  Ever wondered how Tristan and Isolde or Romeo and Juliet kept their breath fresh during those times when toothpaste was not yet invented? Well, they probably chewed mint leaves, specifically, Peppermint. Let’s face it, these star-crossed lovers wouldn’t have made it into literature if their breath stinks!

  Peppermint is a potent ‘means’ to keep one’s breath fresh. It has been made into toothpastes, mouthwash, breath spray and mints. The Peppermint secret ingredient is a substances called‘monoterpenes’ which travel down to our lungs then it releases a sweet and fresh smell. Basically, the lungs function to drive the smell of freshness out of the mouth which in turn creates the minty breath.

  Peppermint is also known to help in gum inflammation and prevents the growth bacteria that causes oral cavity. Remember, keeping your mouth fresh makes you kissable. So chew on some mint and maybe you’ll get to meet your destined lover.

• Green Tea

  So it is a given fact that as we age we also loss a tooth or sometimes teeth. But fret no further, Green Tea comes into rescue to stave off the effects of aging in our ‘pearly whites.’ According to a study published in Preventive Medicine, drinking a cup of green tea daily increases your chances to keep your teeth as you grow older. Green Tea is also rich in fluorine. Fluorine along with Phosphorite found in our teeth can stop the tooth decay and helps in keeping our breath fresh. However, avoid adding sugar or sweeteners into your Green Tea because it will just negate the positive effect of the herb.

• Mushroom

  We are all familiar with Xylitol. It is a natural sweetener and where can it be found? Mushrooms!

  Mushrooms are also abundant with polysaccharide that can significantly prevent the development of plaque and it all kills bacteria. Yes, chewing on raw mushrooms maybe be uncomfortable for some but there are a lot of scrumptious and mouth-watering mushroom recipes that are healthy. Just stay clear of the poisonous ones.

• Strawberry

  In modern times we wonder how our ancestors kept their teeth white, without the amenities of whiteners and dental cleaning back in the days. Their secret: Strawberries and baking soda!

  The red and tasty treat, which is the Strawberry, contains malic acid which is a good whitener, combine it with baking soda and boom, you have an inexpensive whitening method that will give a bright and pearly white smile to snag the perfect man or woman.

  So just how amazing Strawberries are? It can clean and buff away discolorations from dark sodas (Pepsi, coke), tea, coffee and wine!

  However, keep in mind that this is not a substitute for a whitening treatment you can get from your dentist. And a little advice, use it moderately, because the acid can damage your teeth enamel.

• Kiwi

  Nope, not the bird, but the mysterious and exotic fruit. Hailing from countries such as Italy, Chile, Greece and France – and the national symbol of New Zealand, the Kiwi is sweet and packs a unique flavor. It is so intoxicating that you’d just want for more!

  This enigmatic and delectable fruit is abundant in Vitamin C, compare to other fruit. In fact, a large kiwi can deliver 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, which help prevents the breakdown of collagen in our gums. Without collagen the gums would eventually fail, making it vulnerable to bacteria which can lead to gum disease.

• Sesame Seeds

  Another amazing food that helps our ‘pearly whites’ are Sesame seeds. Since Sesame seeds are dense it aids in preventing the plaque build-up, other than that it also helps in the disintegration of already formed plaque.

  Sesame seed is also high in calcium, which is significant to rebuild or reconstruct tooth enamel. According to scientific research Primitive humans or our ancestors chew a lot of these seeds, a reason why their teeth are strong even though the toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash were not invented yet during those times.

Aside, from these foods, chewing gum (without sugar) can also prevent oral cavity. So is mustard that can thwart the production of tooth decay. Onions can also help! But then you have to deal with your breath afterwards. Cheese is also good since it is reach in calcium which is needed by our teeth. Water is also very effective to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, since it moistens the gum and stimulate the production of saliva.

However, keep in mind that even if you eat this healthy food BUT still you continue to eat foods that are not good for your teeth and gums, and at the same time drink a lot of dark sodas that can cause stains – these foods cannot be effective.

So it all boils down on you. Keep a good diet. Brush, floss and use a mouth wash! Remember always visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong.

Sources
lookchem.com
andresdental.wordpress.com
findarticles.com
news.discovery.com
xylitol.org
health.com
health.com
en.wikipedia.org
worldental.org