Now that Halloween (and your sugar rush) is over, it’s time to show those pearly whites some love. We did some digging to find out which dentist-approved foods to chow down on this November.  

1. Dairy, dairy, and more dairy

Calcium-rich foods=strong teeth=an even BIGGER smile. Everyone say cheese!

RECIPE: Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Rice Pilaf, Roasted Zucchini, and Cilantro 

2. Apples

Biting into a crisp apple facilitates the production of saliva to rinse away nasty bacteria. And thanks to their high water content and concentration of Vitamin C, apples also kill the bacteria causing bad breath while supporting the immune system.

Serious question: what CAN’T apples do?

RECIPE: Not one, but seven savory apple recipes to choose from.

3. Leafy Greens

Think kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. Sure, these veggies require lots and lots of chewing, but they essentially scrub your teeth as they’re mashed. Carrots and celery also work double duty.

Are you thinking what we’re thinking? Salads are most definitely in order.

RECIPE: Crispy Sunchoke and Quinoa Salad with Tuscan Kale and Mint

4. Nuts

The vitamins and minerals in protein-packed almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts help strengthen your teeth. Calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, iron, zinc, magnesium, niacin… the list goes on.

You have our permission to go nuts!

RECIPE: Toasted Brown Rice Bowl with Cashews, Sesame, and Green Beans

5. Strawberries

Pearly whites get even whiter when exposed to malic acid, a powerful enzyme in these juicy gems.

Some foods that are good for your teeth also make it onto our list of brain loving foods. Can you guess which ones? Find out here.