We all want healthy teeth and gums. For this, proper brushing and flossing is advised. But do you know that it also depends on our food habits? Consumption of foods rich in nutrients is important for health as well as oral health.

Therefore, today we are telling you about some diet-related habits, which help in keeping teeth healthy. Dr. Rajeev Chitguppi, Head of Research and Innovations, ICPA Health Products Limited, is telling us about these.

1. Eat fruits and vegetables

Include as many fruits and vegetables as possible in your diet. These are the best friends of your teeth. These keep your teeth and gums clean. Also, you produce more saliva (spit) in your mouth. It acts as a natural shield against cavities and gum problems.

2. Water – an essential part of the diet

Drink an adequate amount of water daily. Along with water, you have to include water-rich foods in your diet. These hydrate you well. Proper hydration of the body strengthens immunity, which improves your overall health and oral health.

3. Dairy products

Dairy products like milk, cheese and curd are good for your teeth and bones. They contain calcium and phosphate, which help your teeth repair any damage caused by other foods. Additionally, they make up your teeth's enamel, which acts like a shield on your teeth.

4. Green and black tea

Almost everyone knows that both these types of tea are good for health. But, do you know that they are also good for oral health? It contains chemicals called polyphenols, which prevent bad bacteria from growing and damaging teeth and gums.

5. Eat fiber-rich food

Eating fiber-rich foods improves stomach health and you can avoid problems like type-2 diabetes. Apart from this, they also affect your oral health.

6. Sugarless chewing gum

Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals reduces tooth decay. Sugar-free gum produces saliva in the mouth. It contains natural compounds, which protect your teeth and gums. Saliva also prevents bad breath by wetting your mouth.

7. Avoid or reduce sugary foods

Avoid candies or sweets that stick to your teeth for a long time, such as lollipops, caramels and sweet sugar drops. Be careful with starchy foods like soft bread and potato chips, they can get stuck between your teeth.

Additionally, minimize the consumption of sugary drinks, especially carbonated drinks. It contains a lot of sugar, which can damage the enamel of your teeth.

The sugars or starches in your mouth create acid in the mouth. After eating, these acids continue to attack the teeth for about 20 minutes or more. If these attacks happen repeatedly, they can wear down the hard outer layer of your teeth, the enamel, and thus lead to tooth decay.

If you can't stop eating sugary foods, include them in your diet when your mouth is busy producing saliva

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