5 Foods and Drinks with Surprising Oral Health Benefits
Good oral health depends on dental hygiene, what you consume, and how often you consume it. Certain contents of food and beverages can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, gum infections, and other discomforts, including sugar, acids, artificial colors, and tobacco. While people know foods and beverages that negatively impact oral health, they must be better informed about foods and drinks that benefit teeth and gums.
This blog will share secret foods and drinks that contribute to good oral health.
Green Tea
Green tea positively impacts overall health and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great drink to maintain oral health. A good amount of catechins helps reduce inflammation of the gums, prevent the growth of bacteria, and preserve the condition of soft tissues. Green tea is also known to reduce the risk of painful periodontal diseases.
You can drink green tea early in the morning or afternoon in any season. However, it is recommended that you avoid using too much sugar. Also, avoid drinking green tea around or after sunset, as the caffeine may cause difficulty falling asleep.
Green tea can also be used as a mouthwash for healthier gums. Brew a cup of green tea, cool it, and rinse your mouth twice daily.
Cheese
Cheese is a delicious addition to every meal and is beneficial for oral health. Cheese contains calcium and phosphate, which are essential in strengthening tooth enamel, maintaining tooth appearance, and protecting it from sensitivity.
Cheese is also helpful in promoting saliva production, which aids in keeping teeth and soft tissues safe from acids and bacteria. It contains a protein called casein, which helps protect the enamel and reduce the risk of dental erosion. Thus, cheese promotes oral health by minimizing the risk of cavities, plaque, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
You can enjoy a little cheese as a snack or include it in salads or sandwiches.
Crunchy Vegetables
Crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery are beneficial for oral health. Their natural abrasiveness helps clean teeth and massage gums. They are also high in water and fiber and help promote saliva production. These vegetables include various vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including vitamin A for healthy mucous membranes and vitamin C for gum health.
Thus, oral health is well maintained by eating crunchy vegetables as much as overall health. Add these vegetables to your diet as a salad for maximum benefits. They can also be included in soups and stir-fries for a better taste and the same benefits.
Strawberries
Delicious red strawberries are beneficial for your teeth as much as for your overall health. They are rich in malic acid, a natural whitening agent that removes tough stains on the surface of teeth. Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy gums and prevent gum diseases. Additionally, strawberries' antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties improve oral health by reducing the risk of gum inflammation and infection risk.
Enjoy fresh strawberries as a snack, add them to your breakfast cereal, yogurt, or desserts, or include them in salads and smoothies for delicious yet nutritious food.
Water
Water is the ultimate drink for oral and overall health. Drink plenty of water to induce optimal saliva production, wash away food particles and bacteria, and prevent dry mouth or bad breath. Drink the daily suggested amount of water throughout the day, and rinse your mouth after every meal for fresher breath and a better smile.
Conclusion
Avoiding damaging foods is not sufficient to maintain optimal oral health. You also need to include items in your diet that promote oral health. This includes green tea, cheese, crunchy vegetables, strawberries, and many other foods that your dentist recommends. These foods benefit the teeth and gums, building a healthy foundation for healthy teeth.
Visit the best dentist in Mulund East to get a personalized chart of foods and beverages that benefit oral health.