10 Foods and Drinks That Are Super Healthy for Your Teeth
Prevention is better than cure may be the most cliche phrase you hear now and then, but when it comes to oral care, it is a "mantra" to live by!
The most essential objective of oral care is to keep bacteria under control and prevent plaque formation that leads to tooth decay or gum infections. If neglected or left unattended, cavities or infections can cause severe tooth damage, sometimes leading to oral surgery.
Tooth extraction due to decay is the most common oral surgery performed nowadays. Eating the right food and practicing oral hygiene are the most common ways to prevent such complex oral health issues. It can be as simple as brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting a dentist regularly. If you already have a standard oral regime, it is time to complement it with the right kind of food to nourish your body. Here is the list of 10 foods and drinks to help you take care of your oral health.
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Milk, Cheese & Yoghurt:
Dairy products contain nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that strengthen the teeth. It also contains casein, a type of protein that prevents tooth decay by forming a protective coating on tooth enamel.
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Celery, Carrots & Crunchy vegetables:
Carrots contain keratine and vitamin A, which helps repair tooth enamel, and celery has a great combination of vitamin K and calcium. Vitamin K is responsible for transporting calcium in our bodies. Crunchy vegetables, when eaten raw, require a lot of chewing, which massages the gums and improves blood circulation. Their crunchy and fibrous texture proves effective in oral care as it acts as a natural toothbrush. However, brushing after eating those vegetables is still mandatory!
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Leafy green vegetables:
When it comes to oral care, leafy vegetables make it to the top list as they provide calcium, folic acid, and several vitamins and minerals loved by your teeth and gums. The list is not just limited to spinach, kale, and collard greens. Any green leafy vegetable provides a high calcium level to rebuild the tooth enamel.
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Apples & Pears:
An apple a day certainly can help in keeping the dentist away! Due to their fibrous nature, eating apples and pears increases salivation, neutralizing the citric and malic acid left in your mouth. This property keeps the tooth enamel healthy over a sustained period. Although natural sugar from fruits can also harm the tooth, washing or brushing your teeth after consuming food is best.
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Nuts:
Packed with essential elements like calcium and phosphorus, consuming nuts proves beneficial for proper oral care. Almonds are especially preferred for it helps fight bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
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Strawberries:
Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help your body produce collagen - a vital protein for gum strength. Malic acid present in strawberries acts as a natural teeth whitening agent too!
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Raw Garlic:
Allicin in garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties making it essential for oral health. Using small amounts of raw garlic in your daily meals aids in balancing the oral flora.
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Salmon:
The high amount of protein in salmon revitalizes the gums, and Vitamin D helps absorb calcium in the body.
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Green/Black Tea (sugar-free):
Tea is one of the natural sources of fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Sugar-free green or black tea also helps wash away dental plaque, reducing the chances of cavities.
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Still Water:
Water is not only good for keeping our body hydrated but also helps maintain the pH level of your mouth.
Balance is the key:
Eating a well-balanced diet is as crucial for your oral health as it is for your body. Adopting oral health preventative measures like brushing, flossing, and regular dental examination keeps the possibility of tooth decay leading to oral surgeries at bay.
We are here to take care of your dental well-being and support you every step of the way. From regular dental checkups to more complex surgeries, Rana Dentistry is here for you and your family's comprehensive oral care.