Top 8 Foods to Eat for a Healthier Mouth

Most people underestimate the importance of oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is necessary to prevent plaque accumulation, which can lead to tooth decay if not treated properly. Choosing foods that are beneficial for your mouth is one of the best methods to maintain good oral health. But oral hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth. You can also eat foods that help  clean your teeth, fight germs, prevent plaque decay, and even add a protective barrier to your teeth.

Oral health can be maintained through a variety of factors. Increased saliva production improves the mouth's self-cleaning ability. Fruits and berries contain antioxidants that help fight germs and protect teeth. Yogurt contains a unique combination of beneficial bacteria, while chewy and fibrous foods help to clean your teeth physically. To create stronger teeth, eat foods high in calcium and phosphorus and avoid foods high in acid to prevent enamel erosion.

Continue reading to discover the top eight foods you should eat for a healthier mouth.

1. Raw fruits and vegetables

Eating raw fruits and vegetables is the best way to improve your diet to make your teeth healthier. Biting the fruit or vegetable skin and chewing the fibrous plant flesh of crunchy fruits and vegetables gently scrub your teeth, remove plaque, and help remove stains. Also, vitamin C and other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables promote strong teeth.

2. Steak

Chewing steak is another good method to give your teeth a workout while also providing them with essential nutrients. Phosphorus in steak is necessary for the health of teeth and bones. Furthermore, chewing steak helps strengthen your jaw and enhance your gum health due to the massaging effect.

3. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has a surprising amount of dental benefits. Dark chocolate, unlike sugary milk chocolate, contains antioxidants that help fight the bacteria that cause gum and tooth decay. No, bacteria won't stick to your teeth if you eat dark chocolate. Dark chocolate also contains a special component that helps to strengthen tooth enamel. You can choose low-sugar dark chocolate or try chewing cacao nibs (if your dentist approves it).

4. Fatty fish

Fatty fish is beneficial to your overall health. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and trout are all healthy fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to gum health and can help prevent or minimize gum disease. Fatty fish is also rich in vitamin D that minimizes tooth decay among many other health benefits.

5. Almonds

Almonds are high in calcium, which is necessary for tooth development and strength. They're also a wonderful non-sugary snack. Chewing almonds and other nuts increases saliva production, which contributes to the natural self-cleaning process of your mouth. Almonds are an excellent way to keep your teeth healthy.

6. Yogurt

Dairy is always good for teeth, but yogurt provides you with a unique effect because of the blend of beneficial bacteria it contains. By killing harmful bacteria, the cultures in yogurt help to maintain a more balanced oral microbiome in your mouth. Yogurt, as a dairy product, is high in calcium, which helps strengthen your teeth.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a useful spice that has a variety of health benefits. Cinnamon contains the cinnamic aldehyde oil, which helps to keep your mouth healthy. This oil has the ability to kill harmful bacteria. You can make a cinnamon mouthwash or simply add more cinnamon to your meals and warm beverages.

8. Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have been recognized in part for good dental health. These mushrooms contain biologically active components that prevent cavities and gum disease. Carvacrol, adenosine, copalic acid, and erythritol are among these components. When mushrooms are consumed on a regular basis, they work effectively to promote optimal mouth health.