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Most Americans heed the advice of dentists, having their teeth professionally cleaned every six months, and keeping up on proper brushing and flossing daily. But there's another way to help maintain excellent dental health: Eat! While we're not talking chocolate and ice cream here, there are five tasty foods that help pave the way to whiter, stronger teeth.

1. Yogurt
A favorite any time of day. From breakfast to midnight snack, yogurt is a a calcium- and mineral-rich choice for healthy teeth, bones and nails. For the most benefits aim for those with a lower sugar content, or go with plain and mix in fruits. Strawberries and Greek yogurt can make a fantastic, healthy dessert.

2. Crudities
Teeth love the crunch of raw fruits and vegetables. Naturally low in sugar, uncooked produce can stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth moist. Best choices include water rich apples, pears, cucumbers, peppers, carrots and celery.

3. Pineapple
Research says bromelain is the enzyme found in pineapple that may act as a natural stain remover. Bromelain acts to break up that nasty plaque build-up on the surface of your teeth.

4. Sesame Seeds and Nuts
Snack on mixed nuts or add sesame seeds to your stir-fry and you'll naturally scrub away plaque while you're eating. Sesame seeds boast the additional benefits of calcium for building stronger teeth.

5. Broccoli
It may not be your favorite vegetable but find a way to fall in love. These little green trees provide much needed iron. This can help form a barrier between your tooth enamel and acid from foods. Steam it, sauté it, roast it and just eat it!

About the Author

Dr. Vu Le is the Owner of Vu Le, DDS Inc. Dr. Vu Le is an experienced Foothill Ranch Dentist, specializing in family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth capping and dental fillings. He is certified, prides himself in building strong relationships with each of his patients and has gained a reputation of excellence in the dental community. Google+