Ever since we were children, we have been taught that sugar leads to tooth decay. That candy bar that you just ate could lead to a nasty trip to the dentist's chair, so it is always best to brush your teeth after eating sweets and candies, or to avoid them altogether.

What we were not educated about were the foods that could actually prevent tooth decay in the first place. That's right, there are several different types of foods and drinks that can actually make teeth less prone to cavities. Eating a diet rich in these tasty foods will make your trips to the dentist a little more pleasurable and a lot less painful.

Calcium Builds Strong Teeth

Foods that are high in calcium help to promote strong bones and teeth. Children should especially consume extra calcium in their diets since their teeth are still forming. Even as adults, calcium can help reduce the risk of cavities. Dairy products are probably the recognized high-calcium foods. Cheese, milk, yogurt and even ice cream all contain calcium in high quantities. Looking to avoid dairy? Then you will be surprised to know that calcium can also be found in other foods, such as broccoli, almonds, bok choy and Brazil nuts.

Fiber Fights Cavities

We all know that fiber is important in maintaining a healthy digestive system, but it also keeps cavity producing bacteria at bay. When we consume foods that are high in fiber, we have to chew more to break them down. This increase in chewing makes our mouths produce more saliva, which essentially rinses away unwanted bacteria. Fruits and vegetables are very high in fiber. Try munching on a celery stick or eating a few dates to help keep your teeth protected. Whole grains are also another way to up the fiber in your diet.

If you want to get a clean bill of health at your next dental exam, considering adding more of these foods into your diet. They are delicious, but best of all, they will help prevent you from having to get more fillings. Of course, you should still always rinse or brush after every meal.