What You Eat Can Be Good For Your Teeth And Help Freshen Your Breath

That's right, what you eat and drink can benefit your teeth and breath.

Eating crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery, for example, can remove plaque from your teeth, stimulate the gums, stimulate saliva in your mouth. The saliva can help minimize the effect of odor-causing bacteria (see my post for June 9).

Eat cheese or chocolate. There's evidence that snacking on cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss and American cheese can protect you from getting cavities, especially if you eat them at the end of a meal. Also, there's some research showing that the fat in chocolate might help you avoid damage from the sugar.

About 1,000 milligrams (mg) of Vitamin C a day helps kill the type of bacteria that causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Eat raisins. They contain phytochemicals that fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease.

Rinsing with black tea reduces plaque formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay, according to current research conducted at the Chicago College of Dentistry. Tannin, another ingredient in black tea (also found in grapes and certain herbs) has demonstrated the ability to fight decaying-causing bacteria. If you're concerned about the black tea staining your teeth, switch to green tea.

Eat salsa or jalapeno peppers to make your mouth water. They stimulate saliva production -- which helps neutralize acids. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can also help prevent tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association.

Learn more about other foods good for bad breath by checking out this link. If you'd care to comment about foods you know that are good for your teeth and breath, let us know.