10 Foods & Drinks with Surprising Oral Health Benefits
If you think that maintaining good oral health means giving up all your favorite foods and drinks, think again! There are actually several foods and drinks that can have surprising oral health benefits.
My favorite foods & drinks with oral health benefits
Cheese
Did you know that eating cheese can actually help protect your teeth against cavities? Cheese contains calcium and phosphorus, which can help to remineralize your tooth enamel.
Yogurt
Like cheese, yogurt is a great source of calcium and phosphorus. It also contains probiotics, which can help to promote good oral health by reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Apples
Crunchy fruits like apples can help to stimulate saliva production, which can help to neutralize harmful acids in your mouth and wash away food particles.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains compounds that can help to fight harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Plus it’s a low sugar sweet snack, and so delicious!
Green tea
Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which can help to reduce inflammation in your gums and fight against harmful bacteria in your mouth associated with gum disease.
Almonds
Almonds are a great source of calcium and protein, both of which are important for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums.
Whole grains
Contains prebiotics and they are essential to helping maintain a balanced community of organisms in your mouth.
Kefir
Another great source of probiotics, and an alternative to yogurt. Drink 1-2 cups a day for optimal oral (and gut) benefits!
Leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, that can help to strengthen teeth and promote healthy gums.
Water
Maybe a bit obvious, but still worth mentioning! Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out harmful bacteria and food particles from your mouth, promoting good oral health. Added benefit– it keeps the bad breath away too!
It turns out about 90% of tooth decay is caused primarily by poor diet choices. But remember, it’s still important to practice good dental hygiene habits such as brushing with an electric toothbrush twice a day, floss regularly, and visiting a dentist for checkups and hygiene visits. With the right combination of diet and oral hygiene, you can keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.
