6 Foods and Drinks That Can Improve Your Oral Health

A good, well-balanced and healthy diet can take you a long way – we all know that. Fruits, veggies and nuts are a great source of vitamins, proteins, minerals and other essential nutrients. However, there are certain foods and drinks that bring healthy benefits to your oral health as well. In this article we will look at 6 of the foods and drinks that can help improve your dental health. Now more than ever good health and good oral health are vital in our lives.

1. Dark-coloured berries

Several studies have shown that different types of dark-coloured berries, such as cranberries and blueberries, provide a natural compound known as polyphenol that helps lower the risk of tooth decay, plaque and gum diseases.

Polyphenols, once consumed through berries, stay within our saliva and can help fend off bad bacteria even after food or drink has been consumed. 

2. Leafy Greens

Lettuce us tell you a fact!

Bad puns aside, leafy greens such as kale, spinach and - yes - lettuce, are full of folic acid, calcium, important minerals and vitamins that help improve the strength of your teeth, gums and your oral health in general. 

Additionally, the crunchier the leafy greens are the better as chewing produces additional saliva that helps washing away food particles and bacteria that might otherwise harm your teeth and dental health. 

3. Green Tea

Ok, this one is a tricky one as there are obviously great benefits to drinking green tea, but there is a bit of a downside of consuming too much green tea as well. 

Let us start with the downside first. Green tea and tea in general is known to stain teeth more than other drinks. Yes, it is not coffee, but tea that stains teeth more. This is because tea contains a higher level of tannin which is what causes teeth to stain. 

On the upside – which is the most important, green tea can help reduce gum inflammation. Green Tea contains antioxidants called catechins that help fight periodontal bacteria, which cause gum diseases.

A healthy balance of green tea consumption along with a proper oral hygiene routine can go a long way, so give it a try.

4. Nuts

Consumption of a variety of nuts can considerably improve a person's dental health. Nuts are full of Vitamin D and Calcium, which improve the strength of teeth enamel and gums, therefore, helping your dental health. 

Similarly, like leafy greens, chewing nuts also stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth that helps wash away bad bacteria and keep your teeth clean. 

5. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms are known to be a great food to add your diet as they are low on fat and a great source of protein. Additionally, they are known to be good for your gums, as well.

An antibacterial compound, known as Lentinan, can be found in shiitake mushrooms. Lentinan helps increase the “good” bacteria in your mouth while getting rid of the “bad” bacteria as it attacks the hard to reach bacteria that is known to be the cause of oral health problems. Similarly to green tea, shitake mushrooms are also known to ease gum inflammation.

6. Dairy Products

If you consume dairy products on a daily basis – you’re in luck! As we know, dairy products are a great source of calcium and other proteins that help improve your general and oral health. 

Not only does Calcium strengthen your bones, but it also helps improve the health of your gums too. Additionally, the protein known as Casein which can be found in most dairy products neutralizes oral acids that produce bacteria inside the mouth, therefore, lowering the risks of tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Proper oral hygiene and a good diet can go a long way!

Try adding some of the foods and drinks on this list into your diet and see how your dental health improves. Just remember – foods and drinks alone will not improve your health. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is always essential as well!

Stay healthy and safe, everyone.