Your teeth are a complex structure made up of different parts. You may only think about them when you smile, but teeth assist with chewing food properly, speaking clearly, and they even give shape to your face. Building and maintaining strong, healthy teeth ensures that you can perform these daily functions without difficulty. Learn more about how you can make your teeth stronger.
How To Build Strong Teeth
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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
Building Strong Teeth
Establishing and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is the best way to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Here's what your daily oral care should include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Use an interdental cleaner, like dental floss, to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth
- Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early detection and treatment of oral issues
Foods For Strong Teeth
Did you know that the foods you eat are an important part of building strong teeth? Healthy teeth, like the rest of your body, need you to consume nutritional foods. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A help build and protect tooth enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). Here are some foods with high amounts of these nutrients:
- Milk
- Plain yogurt
- Cheese
- Leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach
- Calcium-fortified foods; cereal, canned sardines, tofu, and orange juice
- Protein-rich food like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs
Fruits and vegetables are a source of vitamin C, which is good for healthy gums. Eating fruits and veggies can stimulate saliva production. Saliva contains minerals like calcium, fluoride, and phosphate ions, which keep the surface of your teeth strong. Saliva also washes away food particles and debris from teeth and gums. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This is an easy way to keep your mouth clean and avoid bad breath from a dry mouth.
What Foods to Avoid
While consuming the right foods can help make teeth strong, excessive snacking on sugary chips, candy, and baked treats can cause tooth decay. Cavities form when sugar and bacteria in the mouth combine and release acids that erode tooth enamel. Minimize how often you and your children consume these types of snacks. You could even try healthier snacking alternatives like almond nuts and cashews. They are filled with nutrients that are good for your teeth.
Healthy and strong teeth are a definite reason to smile. All you need is a consistent combination of dental hygiene practices, healthy eating, and regular dental care to make your teeth stronger. Remember that what you eat affects your oral health, so try opting for nutritious snacks and drink plenty of water - it's great for your overall health too.
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
