10 Foods and Drinks That Are Good for Your Teeth and Gums


 

A healthy smile depends on various factors like proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and a healthy diet. Indeed, the foods and drinks you consume can have a great impact on the condition of your oral cavity. Sweet, starchy, and acidic foods and drinks can significantly worsen your oral health. In this article, we have gathered 10 foods and drinks that are good for your teeth and gums.

1. Hard cheese

Hard cheese is a great source of calcium that helps keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy. Additionally, hard cheese can normalize pH levels in your mouth. So if you consume acidic foods and drinks, you can eat a piece of hard cheese to decrease the acidity in your oral cavity. 

2. Oily fish

Oily fish (salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, etc.) is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Omega 3 helps reduce inflammation and prevent gum disease. Phosphorus is an important mineral that helps protect tooth enamel. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. 

3. Crunchy fruits and vegetables

In addition to the fact that crunchy fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that help keep your oral cavity healthy, they can also help increase saliva production. Saliva removes bacteria from your mouth and helps digest foods. Additionally, hard fruits and vegetables massage gums and improve blood circulation in them. 

4. Green tea

Green tea has a lot of health benefits that can help improve the condition of your oral cavity. It contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants and improve cell damages. Polyphenols also help reduce inflammation and even help fight cancer. 

5. Strawberries

Indeed, strawberries are quite tasty and contain vitamins but they can also help whiten your teeth. The point is that they contain malic acids that can help bleach your teeth. Indeed, to whiten your teeth significantly, it is better to undergo in-office teeth whitening but eating strawberries can also make your teeth whiter. 

6. Milk

Milk is deemed one of the most important sources of calcium and other important elements. Drinking milk encourages your body to produce more saliva, protecting your teeth. Dairy products like milk can even repair tooth enamel. However, it is better to choose low-fat milk to protect your arteries. 

7. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are very beneficial for the health of your teeth. They are rich in many important elements such as calcium and phosphorus. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews can help reduce the number of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Peanuts contain calcium and vitamin D and almonds are full of calcium, which is good for teeth and gums.

8. Plain water

Many people forget to drink plenty of water. But it is essential to understand that dehydration can lead to various complications. If you don’t drink enough water, the production of saliva decreases. Additionally, drinking water helps flush away bacteria from your mouth. 

9. Leafy greens

Leafy greens are a great food for your teeth and gums since they contain numerous vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they are rich in calcium and folic acid. Chewing leafy greens also boosts saliva production and helps clean your teeth. 

10. Dark chocolate

Even though sweets can increase your risk of tooth decay, a piece of dark chocolate can be quite beneficial for your teeth. The point is that dark chocolate contains polyphenols. As mentioned above, polyphenols can decrease your risk of tooth decay. 

The bottom line

It is essential to understand that a healthy diet can help prevent the development of many oral issues. Nevertheless, you still need to visit your dentist twice a year for an examination. Timely treatment and proper oral care can help improve the condition of your oral cavity. 

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