3 Foods That Fight Cavities

When it comes to foods that help fight cavities, there are some that come to mind, like fruits and veggies. Fruits and veggies can have thick or coarse skin that acts like a makeshift toothbrush or have other great ways to fight cavities. But what about foods that you thought for sure were bad for your teeth no matter what? There are foods out there that may surprise you with their cavity-fighting capabilities, like the three below!

Cheese

We all know that calcium is good for maintaining strong teeth, and cheese is a good way to get it. However, cheese also has a protein called casein that may have a protective property that promotes healthy teeth and cavity prevention. Research suggests that eating cheese can increase calcium levels in your mouth that can help re-mineralize your teeth!

Candy

Candy has long been touted as the one food guaranteed to rot your teeth. Not only are candies packed full of sugar, but they’re often sticky and coat your teeth, or they’re rock hard and can damage your teeth. However, dentists have stated that sugar-free candy like lollipops and hard candies are good for your teeth, as they’re now sweetened with xylitol, an active ingredient that has been shown time and again to help fight cavities and prevent tooth decay. How? Bacteria can’t utilize it to grow and can’t metabolize it to produce acid like regular sugar.

Gum

Sugar-filled chewing gum has long been one of those foods you were told never to eat as they could cause cavities. That may be true, but chewing sugar-free gum is actually recommended in an effort to fight cavities. Gum made with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, is even better, as it can not only help protect against cavities, but can even prevent tooth decay. Next time you’re in line at the grocery store looking at the gum options, make sure to get one with xylitol!

Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-pictures/surprising-cavity-fighters.aspx