Nutrition plays vital role in maintaining healthy body and for chewing food healthy oral cavity is needed. If oral cavity is not healthy it will affect intake of food and indirectly it will affect general health. Along with brushing and flossing healthy food plays important role in maintaining healthy teeth. So today we will discuss some foods which help to maintain your teeth pearly white and gums safe. 1) Green tea It contains complex compounds called catechins that can fight against inflammation and control infection. So it helps to reduce occurrence of periodontal (Gum) disease. Tea also tends to be rich in fluoride, possibly the most well-known tooth strengthener. 2) Cheese Eating Cheese raises ph and triggers saliva flow thus it washes away food particles from mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Even cheese contains calcium and protein, nutrients that strengthens tooth enamel. At the same time, be careful not to indulge in too much of processed cheese. 3) Yogurt It contains high calcium and protein, which makes it good pick for the strength. The probiotics found in yogurt also contain good bacteria which maintains balance of oral bacterial flora. But avoid sugar and choose plain variety of yogurt. 4) Green leafy vegetables They are full of minerals and vitamins, which builds teeth’s enamel. They also contain high calcium and folic acid, vitamin-B that has numerous health benefits, including possibly treating gums disease. 5) Apples “An apple keeps a doctor away”. They might be sweet, but they are also rich in fiber and water content. The action of eating apple accelerates saliva and rinses away bacteria and food particles. The fibrous texture of fruit also stimulates the gum and keeps them healthy. 6) Carrots Carrots are crunchy and full of fibers. They stimulate gums and increases saliva which reduces risk of cavities. Along with high fiber it has high vitamin- A, which is good for health. 7) Almonds and raisins Almonds are good source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. And raisins don’t contain sucrose, they are the source of phytochemicals which kill cavity causing plaque bacteria and reduces occurrence of gum disease. 8) Cranberries They contain polyphenols which keeps plaque away from sticking to teeth, thus lowers risk of cavities and oral cavity stays healthy. 9) Sugarless gum Chewing sugarless gums boosts saliva secretion, clears away bacteria and reduces risk of dental decay. 10) Citrus fruits Vitamin C is very important for the overall health of delicate gum tissue, because the vitamin C helps to prevent collagen from breaking down.  Without collagen, gums become extra tender, and thus susceptible to periodontal disease. These fruits also do double duty because of their astringency, which may help to reverse discoloration caused by commonly consumed beverages like coffee and wine. Enjoy Top 10 Healthy foods advised by US Dental for healthy Gums and teeth. EAT HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY – Written by Dr. Sayma Memon