Many ladies love to smile, but they always worry about revealing unattractive teeth. This will no longer be a problem. Below, the editor brings you good news: regularly consuming 18 types of food.
1. Strawberries
They strengthen teeth and contain ingredients that whiten and clean them, which is very useful for removing tea stains and coffee stains from the tooth surface. Therefore, don't forget to eat some strawberries after a meal.
2. Watermelon
Two cups of watermelon juice can provide 25% of the daily required Vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for dental and gum health as it helps with iron absorption and has antioxidant effects, preventing tooth aging caused by oxidation from "free radical" molecules. Research shows that consuming foods high in Vitamin C can reduce the probability of gum disease.
3. Oranges
The Vitamin C in oranges also promotes dental and gum health, and its fiber can help remove dental plaque.
4. Apples
Chewing apples stimulates saliva secretion, which cleans and strengthens teeth, and also reduces the body's absorption of sugar.
5. Grapes
The cleaning enzyme in grapes—malic acid—will whiten teeth.
6. Tea
The polyphenols in tea have disinfecting and antibacterial properties. Chewing tea leaves can also reduce gum bleeding.
7. Cauliflower
It can act as an "exfoliant" to whiten teeth. At the same time, cauliflower can stimulate saliva production, helping to prevent the formation of dental plaque.
8. Onions
They can kill various bacteria, including *Streptococcus mutans*, which causes cavities. The effect is better when eaten raw.
9. Celery
The coarse fiber it contains helps sweep away food debris from teeth. Chewing for a longer period can stimulate saliva secretion, balancing the pH level in the mouth.
10. Dark Vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in carotene, which can be converted into Vitamin A, helping to keep the gums firm.
11. Beans
These foods can effectively "clean" the mouth and stimulate saliva production.
12. Mushrooms
In recent years, mushrooms have not only become a popular food for boosting immunity, but studies since 2000 have also found they help protect teeth. This is because lentinan, a polysaccharide found in mushrooms, can inhibit bacteria in the mouth from producing dental plaque. Mushrooms have a unique flavor and are low in calories, making them delicious in soups, stir-fries, or cold salads. Eating various types of mushrooms 2-3 times a week is a simple and inexpensive health method.
13. Wasabi
Wasabi produces its pungent, irritating smell because it contains a compound called isothiocyanates, which is also found in other cruciferous vegetables. Japanese experiments in test tubes found that isothiocyanates in wasabi can inhibit the growth of *Streptococcus mutans*, which causes cavities. Besides being served with sashimi, you can mix a small spoonful of wasabi with a little soy sauce for a dipping sauce for boiled seafood; or mix equal parts wasabi, honey, and water to make a cold dressing for squid or shrimp, which can neutralize the fishy smell of seafood.
14. Cheese
As is well known, insufficient calcium intake can weaken bones, so it's important to supplement calcium from various natural foods daily. Cheese is not only a good source of calcium, but it also has other protective effects on teeth. A study by the Australian Dental Association found that in addition to rich nutrients like calcium and phosphorus for teeth, cheese also contains unique casein, which can effectively prevent dental plaque formation and repair tooth damage. Furthermore, cheese can stimulate saliva secretion, neutralize the acidic environment in the mouth, inhibit bacterial growth, and strengthen tooth enamel. Tip: For the elderly, you can make a tomato cheese sandwich for breakfast: 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 slice of tomato about 3 cm thick, and 1 slice of low-fat cheese.
15. Dairy Products
Research suggests that the protein in yogurt can adhere to teeth, protecting them from harmful acids and enhancing dental health. Additionally, chewing hard cheese can promote saliva production, thereby removing food debris.
16. Sugar-Free Gum
In fact, cocoa contains tannins, fluoride, and calcium phosphate. All three substances contribute to protecting teeth. In "sugar-free" gum, sucrose is replaced by sugar alcohols for sweetness, but it does not cause cavities: xylitol has a bactericidal effect, which helps reduce plaque, and sorbitol (a sugar synthesized from glucose or fructose, used as an artificial sweetener). Therefore, a 2.2-gram stick of sugar-coated gum contains only 3.8 calories.
17. Dark Chocolate
It can inhibit the formation of dental plaque, but the premise is to choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of over 75%; otherwise, the added sugar can be detrimental to teeth.
18. Water
Water can reduce dirt in the mouth, saving you from the pain of tooth erosion, and keeping your teeth strong for a long time. It is important to sip a small amount of water between meals and rinse your mouth after eating.
A balanced diet with properly distributed meals throughout the day is very beneficial for strong teeth. In fact, this helps our teeth better resist stimuli: enamel erosion, cavities... Raw foods, such as carrots, red radishes, or apples, actually clean the teeth by friction against their surface when chewed.