8 Foods and Drinks That Can Improve Your Oral Health
Many people want to have healthy teeth and gums. But not all of them know that the foods and drinks you consume daily have a great impact on the condition of your oral cavity. Indeed, if you are fond of junk foods and sweets, it is not surprising that you may have several oral issues at once.
If you want to improve the condition of your teeth and gums, you should visit a dental clinic twice a year, maintain proper oral hygiene, and pay attention to your diet. In this article, we have gathered eight foods and drinks that can improve your oral health.
1. Water
Insufficient water consumption is a quite common issue for many people. While drinking water, you flush away the bacteria and food particles from your mouth. This helps prevent dry mouth, bad breath, and tooth decay. You should understand that water is essential not only for your teeth and gums but also for your overall health.
2. Cheese
Cheese is an excellent and tasty source of calcium that is extremely important for your teeth and bones since it makes them stronger. Additionally, it is recommended to eat hard cheese while drinking wine or coffee since it can reduce its acidity and normalize pH levels in your mouth.
3. Apples
Even though one apple a day may not keep a dentist away, it can still make your teeth and gums healthier. In addition to the fact that apples are full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, they also help remove dental plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Moreover, the solid texture of apples increases saliva production and improves blood circulation in gums.
4. Tea
If you love spending time with a cup of tea, know that it is not only delicious but also good for your teeth. The point is that green tea contains compounds that appear to control inflammation and fight the bacterial infection. Black tea contains fluoride that keeps your teeth strong and less prone to tooth decay.
5. Yogurt
Drinking or eating yogurt can also be quite beneficial to your teeth. Firstly, yogurt balances PH levels in your mouth that prevent excessive enamel wear. Secondly, it contains calcium. Thirdly, probiotics in yogurt can help strengthen good bacteria in your mouth that fight bad bacteria. However, it is better to choose yogurt without sugar or sweeteners or the effects can be quite opposite.
6. Oily fish
Oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.) are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D. These nutrients can help prevent inflammation and can help cope with developing gum disease. Additionally, fatty fish contains phosphorus and calcium that help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
7. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your teeth and gums stronger. Chewing nuts and seeds also increases saliva production that reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. Moreover, the hard texture of nuts and seeds can even remove stains on the surface of your teeth and make them look whiter.
8. Dark chocolate
It may seem ridiculous that sweets can help improve your oral health but a piece of dark chocolate can actually make you less prone to tooth decay. The point is that dark chocolate contains polyphenols that don’t let the bacteria stick to your teeth.
The bottom line
Regular consumption of the aforementioned foods and drinks can help make your teeth and gums healthier and prevent the development of certain oral issues. But you shouldn’t forget that proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams are also important for your oral health.
