You know the mantra – brushing and flossing are important for good dental hygiene. But sometimes, we walk out of our houses in the morning with a curler still in our hair, a wrinkled suit, or (even more unfortunately) unbrushed teeth. If you’ve forgotten to brush, or want to practice better oral hygiene, try one of these snacks throughout your day. And stop at a convenience store for a toothbrush to keep in your desk at work. Just incase.
Dairy
Calcium, phosphates, and vitamin D are all important minerals for your teeth and they can all be found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Crispy Vegetables
Crisp, fibrous vegetables scrub the plaque off of your teeth to leave them feeling freshly brushed and polished. Vegetables contain only a small amount of sugar, and it’s the natural healthy kind that isn’t as bad for your teeth as refined sugar. Fibrous vegetables like celery have a high water content, so they wash and brush your teeth as you chew!
Crunchy Nuts
Foods that are high in protein provide essential nutrients for the health of your teeth. Phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and calcium are extremely good for your oral health. They also all happen to be found in almonds.
Juicy, Crisp Fruit
Crunchy fruits like apples and pears brush your teeth while you snack. They also contain bacteria-crushing, acid-neutralizing enzymes. While you chew, your teeth will be cleaned of plaque.
Sugarless Gum
Don’t have a toothbrush handy after lunch? Sugarless gum can help get rid of unwanted food debris after a meal, leaving your mouth fresh and clean for the afternoon.
So, next time you feel like your teeth AND your stomach need some attention, pick up one of these healthy snacks!