Healthy and strong teeth are not only important for a beautiful smile and good breath, but they also can protect you against gingivitis and an increased risk of heart disease that results when excess bacteria reside in your mouth. Regularly brushing your teeth, avoiding sugary foods and chewing sugar-free gum can help keep problem bacteria from building up on your teeth, but choosing the right snacks can also help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Calcium
Foods rich in calcium provide your teeth with the minerals they need to remain strong. According to the National Institutes of Health, regular intake of calcium also keeps your jawbones healthy and strong. Strong jawbones are important to healthy teeth because your jawbones are what hold your teeth in place.
High calcium snack options include dairy milk, fortified soy milk, fortified orange juice, leafy green salad made with greens such as spinach or kale leaves, yogurt, grilled tofu slices, tofu fruit smoothies and low-fat cheese slices. Also, tofu comes with naturally high amounts of calcium, but you can buy tofu that has had extra calcium added to it.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits are important for providing the vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy teeth and gums. Choosing fresh fruit over dried fruits or fruit juices is a healthy option for your teeth. Dried fruits are sticky and can remain on your teeth for an extended period of time, causing decay. Also, dried fruits often contain added sugar, which is not beneficial to your teeth. Fruit juices contain acids and sugars that can wear away the enamel on your teeth, causing further decay.
Some possible beneficial fresh fruit snacks include apples, berries, grapes, blueberries, bananas, pears, oranges and kiwi.
Tap Water
Regularly drinking tap water provides fluoride for your teeth. Also, the intake of fluid helps keep your mouth hydrated, which is important to avoid tooth decay. According to KidsHealth.org, fluoride becomes a part of the structure of your teeth when it is consumed, and it protects your teeth on contact. Fluoride keeps acids in your mouth from dissolving or demineralizing your enamel. Also, fluoride can help your teeth repair themselves and rebuild if a cavity has not formed.
Drinking fluoride in your water can reduce your tooth decay between 20 to 40 percent, according to KidsHealth.org. To reap the benefits of fluoride tap water, consume a glass of water with snacks.
Hard Fibrous Foods
Serving foods that are harder and more fibrous can help keep your gums healthy. Also, the chewing involved in eating these fibrous foods helps to stimulate saliva, which washes away leftover food particulars and acids, according to "Dental Health" Magazine. Healthy fibrous snacks include celery sticks and carrots. You can serve these with healthy dips such as hummus.
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