5 best foods for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth

Oral health is not just about brushing and flossing teeth. In fact, Mayo Clinic reports that oral health may be linked to several illnesses including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, to name a few. That's why aside from oral hygiene, it is recommended that people consume a healthy diet, so that teeth can get the right nutrients and vitamins to stay strong throughout one's lifetime. Here are a few tooth-friendly items to add to your grocery list.

1. Milk or fat-free yogurt. More than just providing calcium for your bones and teeth, milk can actually help neutralize the effect of sugary treats on your teeth, Daily Mail reports. According to scientists at the University of Illinois in Chicago, "Eating dairy products in combination with other sugary snacks or at the end of a meal may be an effective means of caries prevention." If you're lactose intolerant, you can get your calcium from non-dairy sources such as kale, bok choy, and even Brussels sprouts. Livescience reports that calcium also plays a role in rebuilding teeth.

According to Dr. Christine D. Wu, a pediatric dentistry researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago, "Acidic foods and beverages may cause tiny lesions on tooth enamel. Calcium and phosphate help redeposit minerals back into those lesions."

2. Eggs. Eggs are a nutrition-packed, cheap superfood that is great for all around health, but it's actually also good for your teeth. Everyday Health reports that the vitamin D in egg yolks help your body absorb the calcium you get from milk or other sources.

3. Carrots and other crunchy vegetables. Vegetables that require munching contain a high level of water, Greatist reports, and that's good for your teeth because it stimulates the flow of saliva and help scrub tooth surfaces. Eat your carrots raw and you get natural abrasives that clean plaque off your teeth, Full Circle reports. Medical News Today also reports that antioxidants and phytochemicals found in carrots may also help delay the effects of aging, improve immune function, and help maintain good blood sugar regulation.

4. Apples. In 2011, Reuters reported that apples may help freshen breath naturally. Reader's Digest also reports that apples earned the nickname "nature's toothbrush" because of its ability to stimulate gums, increase saliva flow, and reduce bacteria buildup, which may lead to cavities.

5. Tea. According to Livescience, tea contains polyphenols that slow down the bacteria growth, which is linked to formation of cavities and development of gum disease. In fact, a study from the University of Illinois at Chicago revealed that those who rinsed their mouths with black tea for one minute 10 times a day had less plaque buildup on their teeth compared to their counterparts who rinsed with only water. Dr. Wu explained, "Polyphenols suppress the genes of bacteria that control the production of smelly compounds in the mouth."