Top 7 Foods And Drinks That Can Help Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy

If you want to have a healthy oral cavity, you need to pay sufficient attention to your oral hygiene and diet. Even though regular dental checkups are also essential, you should understand that the way you take care of your teeth and gums is also extremely important. That's why you should choose foods and drinks that don't promote the development of oral issues. In this article, we have gathered the top seven foods and drinks that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Dairy products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, kefir, and yogurt are great source of calcium that helps keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy. Additionally, hard cheese helps balance the natural pH level in your mouth while kefir and yogurt contain probiotics that are essential for your digestion and overall health.

If you drink a lot of coffee, top-rated dentists recommend having it with milk to reduce its acidity and supply your body with calcium. However, if you have high cholesterol levels, it is better to choose low-fat dairy products to prevent increased cholesterol.

2. Fatty fish

Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, tuna, sardines, etc.) are extremely beneficial to your overall health including the condition of your oral cavity. This is because fatty fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and reduce your risk of gum disease. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus helps protect your tooth enamel. It is recommended to eat fatty fish at least once a week.

3. Water

Our bodies are 60% water, therefore staying hydrated aids in the distribution of healthy nutrients, the elimination of debris, the maintenance of a healthy shine on your skin, and the movement of your muscles. 

Drinking water, especially if it's fluoridated, is beneficial to your teeth's health. Water that contains fluoride, sometimes known as "nature's cavity fighter," is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent cavities. Water also aids in the removal of food particles and maintains a healthy quantity of saliva.

4. Leafy greens

Eating leafy greens has numerous benefits for your oral health. Firstly, leafy greens are full of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. Lactose-intolerant people can stick to leafy greens to get the necessary nutrients. Secondly, chewing leafy greens increases saliva production. Saliva is extremely important to your oral health since it helps reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Thirdly, watery and crunchy leafy greens "brush" your teeth and remove dental plaque.

5. Crunchy fruits and vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are beneficial to teeth since they require a lot of chewing that helps clean the surfaces of the teeth. Because they stimulate the flow of saliva, which helps to wipe away food particles and bacteria, crunchy, firm foods with lots of water are excellent natural teeth cleaners. Additionally, crispy fresh vegetables are usually high in minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to your oral health.

6. Green tea

Green tea is also important for your oral health since it contains polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of compounds found naturally in a variety of foods and beverages, including teas and coffee. They provide a variety of health benefits, including their ability to counteract cell damage as antioxidants, as well as their effects on lowering inflammation and aiding in the fight against cancer.

7. Nuts

Nuts have numerous dental health benefits. They're filled with vital minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are especially good for fighting bacteria that cause dental cavities. Peanuts, for example, are high in calcium and vitamin D, while almonds have a high calcium content that is good for teeth and gums. Walnuts and cashews both include fiber, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, iron, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, and zinc, among other nutrients.