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Brushing, flossing, and basic oral hygiene are essential for strong and healthy teeth and gums. But did you know diet is also a crucial factor in oral health? The foods and drinks you put into your body can either help build a healthier mouth or cause issues. The following are a list of foods and drinks that are excellent for your smile. 

7 Foods & Drinks for a Healthy Mouth

1. Spinach

Like many leafy greens, this teeth-healthy food is high in iron, folic acid, and vitamins A and C—all of which support healthy cell growth and protect against damage and bacterial infection. Spinach also boosts your antioxidants, which remove oxidizing agents that can damage your teeth and gums.

2. Dairy

Most dairy products contain calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for strong bones and teeth and reduce the risk of tooth loss. Milk, calcium-fortified juices, yogurt, and cheese are excellent options to add to your diet. 

3. Avocado

These delicious superfoods contain prebiotic fiber, which feeds probiotic bacteria. This allows for the proper breakdown of food, so the body can access the nutrients it needs to be healthy. However, some avocados contain more fiber than others. Look for dark green ones to get the most fiber. 

4. Sauerkraut

This amazing food is full of live probiotic cultures that are excellent for digestion. However, that same microbiota keeps your teeth healthy, too. Sauerkraut also contains bacteria that releases lactic acid to prevent tooth decay. 

5. Butter

oral hygieneButter might not be great for your diet, but it is for oral hygiene. It is rich in fat-soluble vitamins D, A, and K2, which increase bone and teeth strength. However, these can only come from butter made from grass-fed cow milk.

6. Chicken Drumsticks

Yes, you read that correctly. Chicken drumsticks contain a high amount of collagen that builds and keeps ligaments healthy. And since gum disease is the destruction of a ligament that attaches to your teeth, this also makes it beneficial to your oral hygiene. 

7. Garlic

Garlic contains an antibacterial property called allicin. This is to blame for that unsavory “garlic breath” everyone dreads; however, it also helps to fight oral flora imbalances by controlling bad bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. It also builds strong teeth with prebiotic fiber.

 

Are you looking for an excellent family dentist to protect your oral hygiene? The caring and compassionate staff at Timber Drive Dental in Rhinelander, WI, has over 20 years of industry experience. They’ll provide you with preventative treatments and suggest lifestyle changes—such as the dietary ones above—to keep your smile in top shape.  Call them today at (715) 365-1800 to schedule an appointment; or, check out their website for more information. 

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