10 Foods That Are Essential For Healthy Gums and Teeth
Do you take care of the health of your gums and teeth with the food you are eating? Good oral health is not just the result of good genes. Daily care, regular visits to the dentist, and good nutrition are what keeps our gums and teeth in the best condition. Nevertheless, there are some common foods that can actually help make your oral health better. So, make sure to take advantage of them and add them to your menu. Without further ado, let’s see which foods are absolutely essential for healthy gums and teeth!
Do you want a beautiful smile that can easily brighten up a room?
See which foods can help keep your teeth white and healthy
In this article
Foods That Are Essential For Healthy Gums and Teeth
#Crunchy Vegetables and Fruits
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables helps remove plaque that sticks to the surface of your teeth. This reduces the risk of bad breath, and tartar formation. Good examples of such crunchy vegetables and fruits are carrots, peppers, apples, pears, cucumbers, and radishes. So, keep some crunchy fruits and veggies in your fridge to snack on during the day.
Crunchy veggies and fruits help remove plaque from the surface of your teeth
#Nuts
Nuts are actually good for your teeth, but it is important that they do not have salt and sugar added to them. Almonds are one of the most beneficial for dental health as they are very rich in calcium. According to the American Dental Association, nuts are also a wonderful food for your teeth as they are low in carbohydrates, which in turn usually activate bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Another benefit is that chewing nuts helps stimulate saliva secretion, which can also reduce the risk of cavities.
Raw nuts like almonds are actually great for your teeth
#Strawberries
Strawberries are delicious fruits that don’t have a lot of calories and that help us have a whiter smile. Strawberries contain malic acid, which has unique natural whitening properties. They are also one of those foods that freshen up our breath. Strawberries actually have a number of benefits that you probably don’t know about. They will surely surprise you!
Strawberries actually have natural whitening properties, and they help freshen up our breath
#Leafy Vegetables
The main leafy vegetables that you need to focus on are lettuce, spinach, iceberg, and other veggies that are rich in folate. They are known to help strengthen the enamel, while also reducing the risk of gum disease and inflammation! Other beneficial foods that are rich in folate are lentils, asparagus and black beans.
Leafy greens can help strengthen your tooth enamel
#Onions and Garlic
Despite being the enemy of fresh breath, these aromatic spices actually have great benefits for your dental health. Onions and garlic have properties that can reduce the bacteria that cause gingivitis, cavities and bad breath that results from untreated dental problems. In addition, they also help eliminate a lot of the bacteria in the oral cavity.
Onions and garlic help eliminate a lot of the bacteria in the oral cavity
#Cinnamon
You can consume cinnamon not only in the form of a dessert, but also in teas, coffee drinks, smoothies, and even juices. Cinnamon helps to reduce the build-up of plaque and bad bacteria in the mouth. It is also believed that cinnamon has natural teeth whitening properties. What’s more, cinnamon goes into the ingredients list of a lot of dental health products such as floss and toothpaste.
Cinnamon helps to reduce the build-up of plaque and bad bacteria
#Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain a polysaccharide, a type of carbohydrate called lentinan. This carbohydrate regulates the immune system, helps breaks down plaque and reduces bacteria in the mouth, thus taking care of the gums and teeth. Shiitake mushrooms are a great addition to omelettes, soups, ramen dishes, and stir-fry.
Shiitake mushrooms help break down plaque and reduce bacteria in the mouth
#Fish
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help make your mouth more resistant to gum infections. Surprisingly, fish can also help your gums heal faster during gum disease treatment, as Western research suggests. So, make sure to add some healthy fats to your daily diet!
Omega-3 fatty acids can help make your mouth more resistant to gum infections
#Peppermint
Fresh mint leaves taste amazing in cocktails, juices, smoothies, tea, and desserts. But did you know that chewing mint leaves immediately refreshes your breath? On top of that, mint has antibacterial properties. After chewing, you don’t need to swallow the leaves!
Fresh peppermint has antibacterial qualities when you chew it
#Poultry Meat
Chicken, turkey, and duck meats are rich in protein and phosphorus, which are believed to help keep our teeth healthy. Other beneficial foods that are very rich in phosphorus are also fish and eggs. So, try to include these foods in your weekly meal plan, so you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Poultry is rich in protein and phosphorus, which help keep our teeth healthy
These were the most common foods that are actually good for the health of your teeth and gums. Combine these foods with consistent daily care, regular trips to the dentist, and your teeth will be more than happy. Remember that you need to take care of your teeth and gums every day to ensure that your healthy smile lasts!
Now you know which are the foods that are actually good for the health of your teeth and gums!