Foods high in acid wear away enamel and leave teeth less protected. The top culprits include hard sugar candies, coffee, citrus fruits -- like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits -- and soda.
Eat More Enamel-Strengthening Foods
As the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests, dairy products are a great calcium source, but many vegetables also are calcium-rich. Soybeans in edamame and tofu, broccoli rabe, kale and other leafy greens are leading non-dairy options for adding calcium to your diet.
Many fruits are high in acidity, including lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, grapes, and apples. The high sugar and acid content in soda makes it another huge contributor to enamel decay. Moderately acidic foods include pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, cottage cheese, maple syrup, yogurt, raisins, pickles, and honey.
Coffee, like any drink other than water, increases your risk of developing cavities. Because it introduces bacteria and acids into your mouth, coffee can also erode tooth enamel causing sensitivity and brittle teeth over time.
While it is possible to strengthen and fortify enamel with substances such as fluoride, it is important to understand that no product can cause lost enamel to “grow back.” Once your tooth's enamel is worn away, it is worn away forever, and can only be restored with synthetic solutions such as veneers.
And--drinking water really helps your teeth stay health – especially if it's fluoridated. Drinking water with fluoride, is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.
All types of milk can cause cavities if they are inappropriately consumed. For example, cavities on the upper front teeth can develop if a baby with teeth is put to bed at night with a bottle of milk. However, plain cow's milk typically does not cause cavities if it is given in a cup with meals.
Meat, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts and green, leafy vegetables are all good sources of protein. Calcium is great for increasing the strength of your bones and teeth. Milk, cheese and other dairy products are a great source but if you're lactose intolerant, soy milk is a good alternative. Sesame seeds are also calcium rich.
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. Problem is, it's not living tissue, so it can't be naturally regenerated. Unfortunately, you can't regrow it artificially, either -- not even with those special toothpastes.
Even though they're good for you, most fruits like bananas have high sugar content. Just like sugar from any other source, this sugar can contribute to tooth decay, as bacteria in your child's mouth will consume it and excrete acid, which may cause cavities over time.
AVOID caffeine, carbonation, alcohol, and hot beverages. DO NOT DRINK from a straw for at least a week – The sucking can dislodge the blood that is clotting in the socket. DO NOT EAT foods that are spicy as this can irritate the gums. DO NOT EAT acidic foods as this too can irritate the surgical site.
As the enamel continues to erode, your teeth might turn a gray or yellowish color. If your teeth change shape, it's a good indicator that you have enamel damage. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial.
While a yellow hue near the gum line can be an early sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems—it is usually an indication of dental plaque or tartar. Dental plaque develops due to bacteria in the mouth combined with food byproducts and proteins.
Apples and Citrus Fruit
An “apple a day” is also great for teeth too. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, eating an apple or other fibrus fruits like oranges, carrots or celery can help clean your teeth and increases salivation, which can neutralize the citric and malic acids left behind in your mouth.
No surprises here — calcium is well known to be great for your teeth. Throughout the body, calcium helps build bones and provide structural support. In your mouth, this mineral helps harden your tooth enamel and strengthen your jawbone.
Strengthens tooth enamel – Yogurt is packed with calcium, which helps to strengthen the bones and the teeth. Calcium will maintain the bone density, which is especially important for growing children. For adults, calcium will help keep the tooth enamel strong and healthy.
… Your two best friends for a restful night. Milk (and other dairy products) are a really good source of tryptophan. It's an amino acid that can help promote sleep, so it can come in particularly handy especially if you're used to tossing and turning before finally getting off to sleep.