9 Surprising Foods That Prevent Tooth Decay

1. Eggs

Regardless of how you love your eggs, fried to perfection or over easy, they are rich in vitamin D and are great at fighting off tooth decay. Vitamin D promotes tooth development. The stronger our teeth, the less vulnerable they will be to decay. Your eyesight also benefits from eggs. If you’re a breakfast sandwich lover, this is all good news for you.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which turns out is not only good for renewing dull, dry skin. It also promotes wound healing, giving your gums a boost as a result. Plus did you know that strawberries can naturally whiten your teeth?

3. Sweet Potatoes

Holidays are the hardest time of year for cavity prevention because of all the sugar loaded foods. Well, you can combat this by filling up your plate with sweet potatoes. They are packed with vitamin A which is crucial for salivary function.

This helps to control the proper pH of your mouth, which is essential for preventing tooth decay. Another interesting fact about sweet potatoes is that they contain more potassium than bananas.

4. Yogurt

Plain yogurt is packed with vitamin D, calcium, and immunity-boosting probiotics. That’s why it’s no surprise this dairy product is on our of tooth decay fighters. Additionally, yogurt has both mouth-healthy and gut-healthy attributes. Foods that contain calcium are really good for our enamel since our teeth are made up of calcium.

5. Salami

When thinking of ways of fighting oral issues, salami is probably the last thing that comes to mind. However, a dentist from Australia recently went on record stating that vitamin K2, is very important for good dental health. And cured meats like salami and soft cheese are rich in K2. Plus adding some brie to your scrambled eggs is a great way to elevate the flavor profile, another K2-rich food.

6. Butter

Yes, this one does sound pretty crazy. Nobody really considered butter to be healthy until experts found that butter is a good source of vitamin B12, a periodontal disease-fighter. Vitamin B12 promotes healthy gums and reverses oral wounds like canker sores.

If you don’t provide your body with enough vitamin B, you increase your risk for developing gum infections like gingivitis or periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. B12 is also found in cheese, soy, and rice.

7. Avocados

Most people love avocados and don’t need another reason to eat more of them. While they are known as calorie-burning powerhouses, they also have high levels of potassium which helps prevent tooth decay. This mineral is essential for strengthening and preventing the breakdown of bone. People who lack potassium have a higher chance of developing tooth decay.

8. Nuts

Phosphorous-rich nuts are very good for protecting our teeth. Fill you snack bowls and salads with pistachios, walnuts, and cashews. These foods not only protect our enamel, but also lower the risk of cavities by helping our saliva suppress the acids.

9. Beans

Most already know that beans are a great vegan source of proteins, but due to their high phosphate content, they are also great for our teeth. Teeth are composed of calcium and phosphate, which is why we need these minerals to remineralize our teeth and keep them strong.

Next time you choose to enjoy some beans, make sure to add some cheese. Vitamin D that’s found in cheese improves your body’s ability to regulate phosphorous and calcium levels.