Dr. Kami Hoss: Top 10 Food Items to Keep Teeth Healthy

Post date: Nov 03, 2017 5:56:54 PM

We've been told at a young age we need to keep our teeth healthy, especially once we grow our permanent set of teeth. But did you know that there are foods you can eat to help take good care of them? Dr. Kami Hoss shares that while food items are no substitute for dental hygiene, they do play a part in keeping your smile nice and healthy.

Here are the top 10 foods you should grab from the fridge for your teeth's sake:

1. Yogurt – Yogurt not only makes for a tasty snack, but it also contains calcium that keeps your teeth strong. Dr. Kami Hoss says that calcium is particularly important for the formation of all the body's bones. Of course, another great source of calcium is milk. Just make sure it's low fat to reap the benefits.

2. Tofu – Tofu is an excellent source of protein, but did you know that it's also rich in phosphorus? Both calcium and phosphorus are vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Aside from tofu, pumpkin seeds and fish are also chock full of phosphorus.

3. Apples – As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! In this case, Dr. Kami Hoss explains that the texture of apples works to scrub the surface of teeth. Additionally, apples contain lots of water, which helps produce more saliva, a natural neutralizer of bacteria.

4. Egg yolks – Egg yolks make the list as one of the few sources of Vitamin D. If you aren't getting enough of Vitamin D, you can always turn to the best natural source that has heaps of it — sunlight. Vitamin D is what helps the body absorb calcium.

5. Broccoli – You might not have liked it when your parents made you eat broccoli but this leafy vegetable is packed with Vitamin C. Dr. Kami Hoss says that Vitamin C is essential in the production of collagen, which fights periodontal disease.

6. Nuts – Another popular diet food that also does wonders for the teeth is nuts. Rich in antioxidants, nuts help prevent inflammation and periodontal disease. Dr. Kami Hoss adds that swollen gums are a common sign of periodontal disease.

7. Kimchi – What makes this Korean staple a great food for teeth is the good bacteria that is produced during the fermentation process. There is a growing body of research that fermented foods like kimchi can decrease plaque.

8. Grapes – One of the antioxidants associated to oral health is anthocyanins, which are plentiful in grapes. Dr. Kami Hoss explains that anthocyanins can help fight oral cancer.

9. Meat – Another antioxidant beneficial for your teeth is arginine, and meat is one of the best sources for this amino acid. Arginine helps prevent plaque from forming.

10. Tea – While tea can stain the teeth, it's also full of polyphenols which can prevent cavities and bad breath. After drinking tea, Dr. Kami Hoss reminds us to brush our teeth to minimize stains or discolorations. Another healthy food item that has polyphenols is flax seed.

To read more about how to take care of your teeth properly, be sure to check out Dr. Kami Hoss sites.