7 Best Things You Can Do for Your Teeth

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

Written By Allison Firestone on June 27, 2021

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  More Than Just Brushing and Flossing

  You know brushing and flossing are non-negotiable when it comes to your teeth, but what else can you do to maintain good dental health? Just as with the rest of your body, prevention is the best medicine. In addition to your toothbrush and floss, there are a handful of other things that keep plaque, cavities and tooth decay at bay. Follow these simple steps to give your teeth some extra TLC.
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  1. Chew Sugarless Gum

  Lingering acid, which accumulates in your mouth after eating, wears down enamel and leads to tooth decay and sensitivity. Popping in a piece of sugar-free gum after eating rids your mouth of lingering food bits and increases the flow of saliva, which neutralizes and washes away that acid. In addition to cleaning things up, saliva also provides teeth with calcium and phosphate, minerals that help strengthen them. It takes just 20 minutes of chewing for these positive effects to apply.
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  2. Add Cheese

  Cheese and other dairy products help prevent tooth decay and maintain good dental health. Cheese contains nutrients that are crucial for maintaining strong teeth: phosphorus, calcium and casein. Together, these create a protective protein film that covers the enamel on your teeth’s surface, shielding them from decay. Like sugar-free gum, cheese stimulates saliva production, keeping your mouth clean and acid under control. Sprinkle some cheese on your salad or add a slice to your sandwich to boost your oral health.
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  3. Focus on Fiber-Rich Fruits and Veggies

  A low fiber intake has been linked to an increased likelihood of tooth loss later in life. Keep your teeth firmly rooted by regularly consuming fiber-rich fruits and veggies, like raspberries and artichokes. Their natural sugars and starches stimulate saliva, neutralizing acid and enzymes that break down teeth, and defend against cavities. These foods also restore minerals to worn-away areas of your teeth and generally keep your mouth clean, so stock up next time you’re in the produce section.
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  4. Drink Tea

  Black and green teas contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that bolster your dental health. Taking in tea has been linked to decreased plaque buildup on your teeth—keeping them clean, strong, and less prone to cavities—and they also help prevent bad breath. Long term, regular intake of green and black tea is known to help protect against oral cancer, too. So get the most out of your caffeine boost by brewing one of these potent teas. Rinse or brush after enjoying that cup of tea to prevent teeth discoloration.
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  5. Add Supplements

  Just like with your bones, vitamin D and calcium keep teeth strong. Getting your daily dose improves tooth retention and decreases the likelihood of cavities and tooth decay. One study showed that adults who took calcium and vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to lose their teeth, even two years after the study ended. Make it a priority to swallow 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D each day to reap these nutrients’ benefits.
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  6. Use Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse

  A mouthwash is antimicrobial when it contains ingredients that kill and prevent the growth of bacteria on and around teeth. Adding this type of rinse into your morning-and-night routine is known to reduce plaque buildup—a thin film of bacteria that forms on your teeth—which leads to decay. Regular use of a mouthwash also keeps your breath fresh. Look for one with an American Dental Association (ADA) seal on it, such as Listerine or Tom’s of Maine.
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  7. Avoid These Harsh Habits

  Keeping healthy teeth also means steering clear of damaging foods and activities. The following could be sneakily sabotaging your enamel:
  
  

  • Sour candies: Just because they’re not sweet, doesn’t mean they’re not harmful. Sour candy has a low pH, which erodes teeth.
    
    
  • Diet soft drinks: These are highly acidic, weakening enamel and paving the way for decay.
    
    
  • Opening things with your teeth: Enamel may be the hardest substance in the body, but it can still chip and break, and it never grows back.
    
    

7 Best Things You Can Do for Your Teeth

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