Maintaining a healthy diet is extremely important for your overall health. However, many people don't recognize the link between the foods and drinks they consume daily and their oral health. You should understand that sugar, acids, and carbohydrates can significantly affect the condition of your oral cavity.
To keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene, visit a dentist twice a year, and follow a healthy diet. Such an approach can help prevent the development of many oral issues and improve the present ones. In this article, we have gathered seven foods and drinks that can improve your oral health.
1. Dairy products
Dairy products ( milk, cheese, kefir, yogurt, etc) are a great source of calcium that is needed to keep your teeth and bones strong. Hard cheese can normalize the pH level in your mouth after the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Yogurt (without sweeteners) contains probiotics that are important for your body.
2. Water
Drinking water is essential for your overall health, including the condition of your oral cavity. If you don't drink enough water, the saliva production in your mouth decreases. This results in bacteria overgrowth since saliva helps reduce their amount. Additionally, you can flush away the bacteria while drinking a glass of water.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Both fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy. Chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables helps remove dental plaque from your teeth and massage your gums (this helps promote blood circulation in gums). However, it is better to avoid dried fruits since they are sticky and are packed with sugar. That's why it is better to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Leafy greens
Leafy greens are full of calcium, so lactose-intolerant people can eat them regularly to maintain their teeth and bones healthy. Eating salads and sandwiches with leafy greens help increase saliva production and get rid of bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, leafy greens contain phytochemicals that help fight bacteria. Due to the great nutritional benefits, it is better to pay more attention to leafy greens.
5. Fatty fish
Fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, tuna, etc.) are rich in vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids whether canned, fresh, or frozen. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium while omega 3 fatty acids help cope with inflammation. You can also take vitamin D and omega 3 supplements if you don't like fatty fish.
6. Green tea
If you are fond of black tea or coffee, it's high time to switch to green tea. This is because green tea is much more beneficial to your health. Green tea is rich in catechin, which helps prevent the formation of cavities and gum disease. It also contains polyphenols that can help decrease your risk of tooth decay since they fight cavity-causing bacteria.
7. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in various nutrients like zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin A. Eating nuts and seeds on a regular basis helps replenish the minerals in your tooth enamel. Additionally, chewing nuts and seeds increases saliva production and removes dental plaque and even surface stains from your teeth.
The bottom line
It is essential to understand that regular consumption of sweets, soda water, crackers, and other junk foods can have a negative impact on the condition of your oral cavity. Sugar promotes bacterial overgrowth that can lead to bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral issues. Acids can soften and remove your tooth enamel that can result in increased tooth sensitivity and toothache. To avoid such an unpleasant outcome, it is better to maintain a healthy diet.
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