Want Stronger Teeth? Worried about Tooth Enamel?

10 Foods that Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, have plenty of calcium and phosphorous that can help strengthen teeth enamel and help with remineralization. They also promote saliva secretion, which can have a preventative effect, as saliva protects teeth against bacteria and balances the mouth's pH level. For those who are lactose intolerant, enriched soymilk can be a good alternative as it usually also have added calcium.

 

 

 

Celery

Celery, considered an "abrasive" food item due to its high fiber content, can help protect teeth and its enamel by cleaning the surface of the teeth. Its fibrous nature also requires longer chewing time, which can promote saliva secretion and maintain a healthy pH level in the mouth. The gums, which are also integral to healthy teeth enamel, are also massaged in the chewing process to ensure its health.


Strawberries

Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important in maintaining the overall health of the oral cavity. Strawberries also have a natural exfoliating effect due to its malic acid content, and can also help whiten your teeth while removing enamel harming tartar. There is no need to actively rub the actual fruit on the teeth, however, as an excess of malic acid may actually do harm and dissolve tooth enamel. To keep your teeth enamel and oral cavity healthy, just incorporate strawberries in your diet, as a snack or a healthy dessert.


Vitamin D

Studies have shown that vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in regulating proteins that create tooth enamel. Foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish oil, cold water fish, or enriched egg yolks, are great for strengthening and possibly remineralizing tooth enamel. Canned sardines are a great super food for strengthening tooth enamel.  You can also eat the bones of the fish for added bone-strengthening calcium and fluoride.


Animal Protein

Most animal proteins, such as chicken and beef, contain phosphorus, which is a mineral essential to healthy tooth enamel. Indeed, when phosphorus is paired with calcium and vitamin D, healthy bones and teeth are created. Tofu may be an alternative option for vegetarians, as it contains a good amount of protein, and may also have the added benefits of calcium and magnesium.


Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are similar to celery in that it is also an abrasive food that can help "brush" the surface of teeth and remove bacteria causing debris. They are also high in calcium, which is important in bone and teeth formation, and are extremely easy to incorporate into the diet. Toss a handful of toasted sesame seeds on your next snack or meal, or blend it into your smoothie for some enamel protection.


Vitamin K

Essential for bone growth and mineral absorption, vitamin K can help strengthen teeth enamel when paired with vitamin D. Cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, are high in vitamin K and other immune boosting nutrients that can also contribute to healthier gums and teeth. Other great sources for this vitamin include egg yolks, hard cheese, pasteurized butter, fermented grains, and naturally-cured salami.


Parsley

Parsley has been used as a natural breath freshener for ages. This herb is known for its anti-bacterial properties and may help prevent bacteria that can lead to loss of tooth enamel. Next time, chew some parsley in place of sugary gum or breath mints.  Not only will it freshen your breath, it can also save your teeth from sugars that can deteriorate enamel.


Tea

Naturally high in antioxidants for a healthier oral cavity, almost all leaves that brew tea also contain fluoride, which protects tooth enamel from decay. Green tea, in particular, also contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which protects the teeth by preventing plaque from adhering to its surface. As an added bonus, freshly brewed tea may also help eliminate bad breath.

Water

Drinking water can ensure a clean mouth, as it washes away trapped debris between teeth that serves as a breeding ground for enamel harming bacteria. For the sake of your teeth, it is also advisable to swish and rinse the oral cavity with water after drinking or eating highly acidic or enamel-dissolving foods, such as alcohol, coffee, or lemons to keep the harsh foods from dissolving teeth surface and enamel. By keeping yourself hydrated, your body can also have a stronger immune system to potentially help ward off gum disease, which in turn, can be detrimental to tooth enamel.
 

HAVE A TEETHING BABY? HERE'S SOME HELP!

Is your baby teething?
 
Classic signs and symptoms of teething include:

• Drooling
• Chewing on solid objects
• Irritability or crankiness
• Sore or tender gums

 

Natural Teething Remedies to Help Your Teething Baby

Teething Biscuits - Many parents love using teething biscuits to calm their teething babies. Be sure to choose a teething biscuit that is healthy for your little one.  When used in moderation, teething biscuits shouldn't adversely affect your little one's oral health.

 
 

 

Frozen Teething Rings - Cold items such as teething rings can alleviate the pain that a teething baby experiences.

 

 

Frozen Carrots & Bananas - Frozen bananas are a sweet treat that can ease your baby's sore gums. If your baby chews on a frozen carrot, only small bits of carrot come off at a time. Some parents don't want to give their children frozen objects because they don't want to inadvertently freeze their baby's gums by giving them something so cold. If you want to play it safe, just go with a cold carrot. Important - Any time you give your baby something to eat, you must stay with them at all times to help prevent choking.

 

 

 

 

 



 

A cold, damp washcloth - Some parents have found that their baby enjoys chewing on a frozen damp washcloth or a cold, wet washcloth.

A small, cold metal spoon - You can either keep some spoons in the refrigerator, or put a small metal spoon in a glass of ice water.  Your teething baby can then hold the spoon and bite down on it to help soothe their irritate gums.

Dried Fruit - Many parents advocate the use of dried apples to help ease teething troubles. Any dried fruit that allows the child to chew can help alleviate teething problems.  Keep in mind that you should use dried fruit in moderation, as it can cause tooth decay.

Ice chips in a clean baby sock - Some parents have found that by putting small ice chips in a baby sock, and then tying off the sock, they can give their baby something cold without the risk of their baby's gums getting too cold.

Gently rub your baby's gums with your finger - Holding your baby and massaging their gums with your finger can also provide comfort to your teething baby during this hard time.

 

If these natural remedies aren't doing the trick, maybe try an over the counter remedy such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) might help.  Avoid teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine. Benzocaine products have been associated with methemoglobinemia — a rare but serious condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

 

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