Along with daily brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year, what you eat plays a significant role in your dental care. And while some foods such as simple carbohydrates work readily with mouth bacteria to form decay-causing plaque, others serve as natural teeth cleaners. Carrots, celery, apples, and leafy greens are among the most commonly known foods for healthy teeth and gums, yet there are other smile-friendly options that may surprise you.

Top 5 Unusual Foods That Boost Dental Health

1. Cheese

Cheese may provide the perfect complement to wine, but there’s more to the pairing than great taste. The dairy product’s pH level neutralizes the acid in wine to lower your susceptibility to tooth decay. Cheese is also rich in calcium and phosphate to fortify and strengthen your teeth and bones.

2. Green Tea

Compounds in green tea help cleanse the mouth of excess bacteria to prevent infections and bad breath while lowering saliva acidity. The tea’s antioxidant properties also help protect the body against cancerous growths, including lesions in the mouth. Antioxidants reduce gum inflammation and plaque production as well.

3. Garlic

Garlic may be known for causing bad breath, but the essential herb actually has the opposite effect. Its natural antibiotic properties kill mouth bacteria responsible for foul breath and tooth decay.

4. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate features four times more antioxidants than green tea to provide your mouth with a healthy boost. It reduces inflammation to help prevent gum disease and keep related bacteria from entering the bloodstream and affecting the heart. Additionally, the sweet treat’s cocoa butter content coats the teeth to keep plaque from sticking around.

5. Salmon

Fatty fish such as salmon is approved by dental care specialists because it is an outstanding source of vitamin D. The vitamin helps the body absorb calcium and use it efficiently to fight back against oral infections and diseases.

Maintain your oral health by consuming these foods regularly and scheduling your next teeth cleaning and exam at Lowitz & Meier. The Cincinnati, OH-based family dentistry office provides high-quality dental care and is known for exceptional attention to detail and patient comfort. Call (513) 521-8900 today to book an appointment or visit their website for additional service information. Like their Facebook page for more dental care tips.