Oral health: Eat these TWO foods to keep your teeth clean and healthy

Dental health has always been a matter of concern. One of the most neglected aspects of human health, the burden of dental problems has further intensified during the pandemic. Poor oral hygiene not only leads to cavity, tooth erosion and gum inflammation but it is also linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. While brushing and flossing twice daily are basic steps to maintain oral health, the food you eat can also help to keep your teeth shiny and strong. As per an expert, two foods can help to reduce the risk of dental issues.

In an interview with a UK based tabloid, Dr Khaled Kasem, Chief Orthodontist at Impress, revealed that some food help to remove the plaque and keep the gum healthy. He said chocolate is one of the foods that can help keep the teeth healthy. He explained that the grain of chocolate contains strong antibacterial agents that can help to keep the dental problem at bay. However, this does not mean that you should eat chocolate in excess. A small piece of chocolate in a day can help to keep tooth decay at bay.

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The second food that the expert named was dairy products which are rich in calcium and vitamin D. He elaborated that including dairy in the daily diet can help to strengthen and whiten the teeth. Besides, calcium and phosphates in dairy products give sufficient nutrient to your teeth and rebuild tooth enamel.

Although dairy and chocolate were Dr Kasem's top two choices, he stated that berries and fruits are also excellent for those trying to maintain their oral health. Fruits like strawberries, apples and blueberries are rich in nutrients and also high in fiber that can clean the plaque and reduce the risk of a cavity. When you chew these fruits, your mouth produces more saliva, which serves as a protector of the teeth and removes plaques. They are also low in sugar content so you need not worry about the quantity. Berries also have antioxidant properties and can help to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

While some food can help to improve your oral health, others can worsen it further. If you are already dealing with dental issues, it is better to avoid them. Here are the foods that are not good for your oral health if they are consumed in excess.

Citrus fruit

Coffee

Candies

Pickle

Sports drink

Wine

Small steps can put a great impact on your oral health in the long run. So small efforts daily can keep your teeth and gums healthy. A few things that you can do are:

Quit smoking

Avoid alcohol

Brush your teeth twice

Floss after every meal

Scrap your tongue

Try oil pulling