Taking care of your teeth is about more than just brushing and flossing, which is why dental offices across the country talk with patients about proper nutrition. In addition to warding off oral bacteria, eating the right foods can also help to naturally scrub your teeth, preventing plaque and tartar accumulation. Here are three great foods for your teeth, and how to incorporate them easily into your daily diet.

Celery

High in water and low in calories, celery is fibrous enough to act as a natural toothbrush. As you chomp away on this crunchy treat, the celery fibers scrub the surfaces of your teeth, leaving your smile clean and fresh. Celery is also high in vitamins A and C, improving the cellular health of your oral tissues. To fit a quick celery snack into your busy lifestyle, rinse a few stalks, trim them into convenient sticks, and stash them in a plastic bag for a quick snack on the go.  

Yogurt

Yogurt is one of those foods that can meld well into a large variety of dishes. In addition to enjoying a cup of yogurt with berries for breakfast, yogurt sauces also pair well with chicken and Indian food. In addition to being a tasty enhancement to most meals, yogurt is also great for your smile because it is high in calcium and protein while being naturally low in sugar. Additionally, probiotic yogurt helps restore the natural bacterial balance in your mouth, keeping harmful bacteria at bay.

Tea

Tea is high in polyphenols, which have been shown to slow the growth of harmful oral bacteria and reduce systemic inflammation. In fact, in a study published in the “Journal of Periodontology,” subjects who drank green tea had dramatically lower rates for developing periodontal disease, heart problems, and even cancer. Try drinking a cup of green or black tea with your morning breakfast to keep your smile clean and healthy. If you are worried about yellowing due to tea consumption, talk with your dental office about whitening treatments.

If you are concerned about eating habits and healthy teeth, talk with Mainwaring John D. DDS, in Orange, CT. In addition to talking with you about your eating habits and how they could be affecting your smile, this dental office also loves working with patients to hone their dental hygiene routines. For more information about the practice or to schedule an appointment, send the dental office a message online or call (203) 799-6625. You can also connect with the staff on Facebook.