Best Foods to Eat to Prevent Cavities

Cavities are bad news for kids and adults, and fillings can be painful and expensive. The best way to avoid cavities is to actively take care of your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular cleanings and exams. But what else can you do to keep your teeth healthy? Eat and drink nutritious options and limit the intake of sugary snacks. However, if you’re looking to get a little more cavity-fighting power from your foods, check out these top choices.

Cocoa

Bring on the hot chocolate! Cocoa has polyphenols that help prevent cavities and reduce the formation of acid from Streptococcus and S. Sanguinis bacteria. However, let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: by cocoa, we mean cocoa powder and not a chocolate bar or chocolate ice cream. Studies have shown that the polyphenols significantly reduce the rate of bacteria in your mouth, resulting in far fewer cavities.

Black Tea

Are you an avid tea drinker? Have you been told tea may stain your teeth? While that may be true, tea is one of the best drinks to strengthen the mineral composition of your teeth and prevent cavities. Black tea has high amounts of flavanols that limit the growth of harmful bacteria, and even contain fluoride. Added to that, black tea offers natural chemicals that can inhibit the growth of enzymes that help plaque stick to your tooth enamel.

Cranberries

Like flavanols, flavonoids offer antimicrobial effects and can prevent tooth decay and cavities. Cranberries are rich with these cavity-fighters, as well as organic acids that stop bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums that can cause oral health issues. Studies have shown that eating cranberries and other similar berries like blueberries decreased cavity promotion as they increased the good bacteria found in saliva.

Source: http://blogs.webmd.com/food-and-nutrition/2013/05/7-foods-to-fight-cavities.html