10 best foods for strong teeth and bones

health foods

We all wish to age beautifully with a good set of teeth and good bone structure, because they reflect our overall health and personality.

To maintain good health of these two sets, just depending on sufficient intake of calcium is not enough. In fact, several other nutrients' and vitamins are required to maintain the strength of your bones and teeth. Today, Ms. Sunita Pathania - Sr. Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Healthy Living Diet Clinic, Mumbai, and Priya Kathpal - Nutritionist, Mumbai, lists down top 20 foods for strong teeth and bones.

Healthy Food # 1: Apples
Stephen D'souza - Dental Student at Terna College says - apple is a natural toothbrush. It helps to stimulate your gums, increases saliva flow in the mouth and prevents cavity buildup as it cleanses the teeth surface. Plus they are loaded with various vitamins and minerals. Try eating a full apple after your dinner to clear the interior part of teeth.

Healthy Food # 2: Celery
Celery is the best weapon you can use to keep bacteria inside your mouth at bay. Celery is loaded with various dental health benefits. As you chew celery, it helps in producing more saliva in your mouth which further prevents plaque production. Eat a piece of celery, once a week if you want to brush your teeth naturally.

Healthy Food # 3: Water
Drink as much water as you can. Water helps to clean your mouth as well as helps to clear toxins in your body which can create tooth decay. Water helps to produce saliva in your mouth which deposits essential minerals into the teeth. It also keeps your gums very well hydrated and washes away all the minute left over's from the teeth. The best way to keep your teeth decay free is by drinking sufficient amount of water after every food intake.

Healthy Food # 4: Cheese
Cheese is very good choice to make your teeth strong and healthy. Cheese also contains casein, which helps in fortifying your tooth's surface. Hence, if you are prone to cavity, start chewing a small piece of cheese to prevent decay.

Healthy Food # 5: Cocoa
Cocoa is actually good for your teeth. It is filled with a substance which helps to reduce gum inflammation and prevents tooth erosion and decay. So start nibbling in a piece of dark chocolate, after a stressful day at work to brighten up your mood and to prevent tooth decay.

Healthy Food # 6: Kiwi
Kiwi a great source of vitamin C. Proper amount of vitamin c in the body helps in maintaining the collagen network in your gums, prevents gum infections, fastens healing and strengthens your gum which further helps in preventing periodontal disease.

Healthy Food # 7: Onions
Though you may be concerned about your stinky breath after eating a raw onion, but the benefits it offers are simply remarkable. Onions naturally cleanses your body and mouth by eliminating harmful bacteria. This action of kicking bacteria away helps in preventing tooth decay.

Healthy Food # 8: Sugar-free gums
Pop in a sugar-free gum after meals, to prevent tooth decay. The sugar alternative in these gums helps in preventing attack by the bacteria which can degrade tooth enamel. Plus, if you keep chewing your chewing-gum for some time you are exercising as well which will strengthen your jaw.

Healthy Food # 9: Sesame seeds
These tiny seeds are rich in calcium, which helps in keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Besides, sesame seeds dissolve the plaque which is formed and builds tooth enamel.

Healthy Food # 10: Pears
Pears is fibrous in nature, it helps in producing additional saliva in your mouth. It also has a larger acid neutralizing effect on tooth surfaces. Eat a pears daily to keep your tooth surface strong and healthy.