Foods and drinks that are good for your teeth

More often than not, we hear about foods that are cariogenic or bad for our teeth and what we should be avoiding. It's also important to be aware of what you can eat that will enhance your dental health. Besides brushing and flossing daily, did you know that some foods and drinks are actually good for your teeth?

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is great for our health. Avoiding acidic food and drinks and artificial sugars can help us in many ways:

• reducing the risk of heart disease
• tooth enamel erosion
• early-stage gum disease

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the foods and drinks that protect your teeth. So, if you’re curious about what you can eat to improve your oral health, read on!

What foods and drinks are good for keeping your teeth and gums healthy?

Your diet can have a big influence on your dental health, with certain foods and drinks helping strengthen your teeth’s enamel and gums. It's important to follow a good dental hygiene routine, but a balanced diet contributes towards your dental health too.

There is lots of evidence based research that says you should eat foods that are nutrient and mineral-rich, daily. Below we’ll outline some of the specific foods and drinks that can have a positive impact on your teeth and gums.

Which fruits and vegetables are good for teeth?

We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for our bodies, but what about for our teeth? Many fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and antioxidants, which can contribute towards our oral health. Here you’ll find out which fruits and vegetables are good for teeth:

Leafy greens like kale and spinach:

Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain folic acid, which can help the mouth fight off infections like gingivitis. What’s more, the calcium content in these vegetables is good for strengthening the enamel. So remember to get your greens in whenever you can!

Crunchy vegetables like raw celery and carrots:

If you’re a fan of crunchy crudités like carrots and celery, then you’re in luck. Hard vegetables stimulate saliva production, helping dilute acid in the mouth and around the teeth.

Watermelon:

Watermelon has a high water content, which helps stimulate saliva to neutralise acid in the mouth. It works by preventing enamel erosion and also neutralises the breath, making it a great solution for dry mouth. Although it has naturally occurring sugars, it still offers benefits unlike processed foods with added sugar.

Not only is it a refreshing snack, but watermelon is a fruit with a very fibrous texture. This is good for cleaning the surface of your teeth.

Eating it can give you the feeling of brushing your teeth as you bite into it. That being said, simply using watermelon to clean your teeth is not enough long term. You should always follow a complete dental care routine.

Blueberries and cranberries:

Berries, like blueberries and cranberries, are high in polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants which can prevent bad bacteria from forming around teeth and gums.

It is suggested that eating a handful of berries each day can reduce the risk of dental erosion.

In contrast, it should be noted that berries eaten in excess have high sugar content. It's important not to eat them in excess as they can have the opposite effect, just like sugary drinks.

These are just some examples of the wide variety of fruits and vegetables that can help you improve your oral health. In general, as long as they’re not too acidic or sugary, any fruit or vegetable is good for maintaining healthy teeth.

Are there nuts that are good for your teeth?

Nuts are a go-to snack for many as they are nutrient-dense and full of healthy fats, which are essential for our bodies to function properly. But did you know that some nuts are also good for your teeth?

Some of the best nuts for teeth are Brazil nuts and cashew nuts, as they can help you produce saliva, which helps to neutralise acids and fight the bacteria in your mouth. Almonds and peanuts, on the other hand, are foods rich in calcium, which is essential for strengthening teeth’s enamel.

Just remember that unsalted and unsweetened nuts are the best for reaping the health benefits for your teeth.

Are milk and other dairy products good for your teeth?

Dairy products like milk can be good for your teeth as they contain minerals like calcium, which is good for repairing tooth enamel. Dairy contains casein, a protein that can strengthen teeth with a protective layer. If you avoid dairy, other foods offer you calcium, too.

Is fish good for healthy teeth?

Eating fish is no doubt good for your teeth as it provides many key nutrients. Foods like salmon, mackerel and sardines contain calcium and vitamin D, which can help with strengthening your teeth’s enamel. Fish is also a food that is high in omega-3, which is a fatty acid that is good for keeping your gums healthy.

Meat: is it good for your teeth?

Meat is good for your teeth, as the amount of protein can help you build and maintain strong teeth. Additionally, the act of chewing on meat helps you produce saliva, which can help wash away food particles and acids that might cause enamel erosion or tooth decay.

Is snacking on food like dark chocolate good for teeth?

We’ve been told our entire lives that eating sugary food like chocolate is damaging to our dental health, so it might seem strange to hear that dark chocolate might actually be good for our teeth.

Some studies have shown that dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or above might actually help fight against cavities. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which not only help our overall health, but can help prevent gum disease. Furthermore, dark chocolate contains polyphenols which have antibacterial properties that can slow down bacterial growth, thus fighting potential tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Drinking green tea: is it good for your teeth?

While drinking a lot of black or herbal tea is not typically recommended as it may cause staining and erosion, some studies have shown that drinking green tea can be good for your teeth. Green tea is said to be high in antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and oral bacteria, preventing tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).

What type of water is good for keeping your teeth healthy?

Drinking water after eating is good for keeping your teeth healthy and preventing enamel erosion as it can help dilute and wash away the acid left behind by food. What’s more, water with added fluoride can help strengthen teeth enamel and fight against cavities.

The big question: is chewing gum actually good for your teeth?

A question many people frequently ask themselves; “Is chewing gum good for your teeth?” The answer is yes, it can be when you choose a sugar-free chewing gum. Not only can chewing gum help dislodge food that may be trapped in and around your teeth, but the act of chewing can also help produce saliva which helps to neutralise acids in your mouth.

A healthy balanced diet, rigorous dental hygiene routine and regular dental check-ups are imperative for keeping your teeth and gums in good health.

How Impress can help you keep healthy teeth

At Impress, we focus on improving the oral health of our patients, which is why we specialise in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Not only is a clear aligner treatment discreet and effective, but the aligners are removable, meaning you can still enjoy your favourite foods while you align your teeth.

If you’re interested in a clear aligner treatment with Impress, or want to know what other treatments are available at your nearest Impress clinic, you can make an appointment online, via Whatsapp or by calling us on +44 20 3808 1072.