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; but did you know that there are some foods and drinks that are actually good for your teeth?

It’s no secret that eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for our overall health and well-being, but there are some particular foods and drinks that can strengthen our teeth and keep our gums healthy.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the foods and drinks that are good for our 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 large influence on your dental health, and there are certain foods and drinks that are good for strengthening your teeth’s enamel and promoting healthy gums. Of course, a good dental hygiene routine is important for your teeth, but a balanced diet containing nutrient and mineral-rich foods can also contribute towards your dental health. 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 teeth’s 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. Crunchy, hard vegetables stimulate saliva production, which is what can help dilute down acid in the mouth and around the teeth.

• Watermelon:

As the name suggests, watermelon has a high water content, meaning it helps stimulate saliva which can neutralise acids in the mouth, preventing tooth enamel erosion. Not only is it a refreshing snack, but watermelon is a fruit with a very fibrous texture, which is good for cleaning the surface of the teeth as you bite into it. That being said, simply using watermelon to clean your teeth is not enough. You should always follow a complete dental hygiene routine to ensure your teeth are properly cleaned.

• Blueberries and cranberries:

Berries like blueberries and cranberries are high in polyphenols, an antioxidant which can prevent bad bacteria from forming around the teeth and gums. It is suggested that eating a handful of berries each day can reduce the risk of tooth decay. However, it should be noted that as berries can have a high sugar content, eating them in excess can have the opposite effect.

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 body 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?

It’s often said that dairy products like milk are good for your teeth as they contain minerals like calcium which is good for repairing tooth enamel. Additionally, foods with dairy contain casein, a protein that can strengthen teeth with a protective layer, helping to defend the enamel from tooth decay.

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.