Top 10 Foods For A Healthy Mouth

We’ve been taught to brush twice a day and floss, but eating the right foods also contributes to clean and shiny teeth and gums. Keep your mouth happy by chomping on these 10 foods.
Yogurt

Yogurt

Fresh yogurt served in a clear glass bowl

Photo by: Elena Elisseeva

Elena Elisseeva

We’ve been taught to brush twice a day and floss, but eating the right foods also contributes to clean and shiny teeth and gums.  Keep your mouth happy by chomping on these 10 foods.

#1 Yogurt

Yogurt gives your mouth a triple bang for the buck. Studies have shown that yogurt reduces hydrogen sulfide, the chemical associated with bad breath. It also helps reduce plaque and gingivitis.

#2 Raisins

In the past, sticky foods like raisins were a no-no for healthy teeth. However, recent research tells us that the antioxidants found in raisins help reduce the growth of a certain bacteria that may cause inflammation and gum disease.

#3 Apples

Crunchy fruit like apples, celery and carrots help increase saliva, which help protect against cavities by rinsing out the mouth.

#4  Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants known as catechins that help lower the risk of the development of gum disease. A recent Japanese study showed that men who drank a cup of green tea every day lowered their risk of gum disease — the more tea consumed, the lower the risk.

#5 Whole Grains

A study in the American Journal in Clinical Nutrition found a 23 percent reduction in periodontal disease (gingivitis) among men who ate at least 4 servings of whole grains per day.

#6 Cinnamon

This spice contains a natural plant oil known as cinnamic aldehyde shown to destroy bacteria.

#7 Sugarless Gum

Chewing on sugar-free gum that contains the sugar alcohol xylitol helps reduce tooth decay and gum disease. It can also help (temporarily) mask odors of bad breath.

#8 Citrus Fruit

Fruits and veggies high in vitamin C (like berries, melons and peppers) help create an acidic environment that discourages bacteria growth in your mouth. Vitamin C also helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease — both responsible for smelly breath.

#9 Cranberries

These tart berries help reduce plaque-promoting bacteria, so they don’t start a party in your mouth. Cherries have been shown to have the same effect.

#10 Mint

We’re talking peppermint -- it helps kill bacteria in the mouth that leads to stinky breath while giving you that fresh and tingly feeling in your mouth.

TELL US: How do you get your daily dose of green?

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

Next Up

10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes

Fall in love with sweet potatoes again and again with these 10 deliciously healthy recipes.

9 "Healthy" Foods to Skip

The word “healthy” can get tricky. Lots of foods get labeled good-for-you or may seem low-cal, but they're anything but. Here are 9 of the biggest offenders.

Our Top 10 Recipes to Make All Summer Long

These tried-and-true fan favorites make any backyard barbecue sizzle.

10 Important Food Moments in Black History

These expert chefs and tastemakers shaped food and cooking in American life — and left us with lots of delicious bites still worth celebrating.

The Top 10 Foods You Need to Try If You Pass By a Buc-ee’s

The famous larger-than-life country store, gas station and roadstop is a destination in and of itself.

10 Super-Easy (and Healthy) Air Fryer Recipes, According to a Nutritionist

These are the easy-to-make air fryer recipes a registered dietitian nutritionist loves.

10 Regional Food Gifts Everyone Can Enjoy This Holiday Season

Remind people of home or give them a taste of something new!

10 Food-Themed Kids’ Toys We Wish We’d Had Growing Up

Give the gift of imagination and love for food to the little ones in your life.

10 Food-Themed Bridal Party Proposal Gifts Your Friends Will Love

Popping the question to your besties is just as important!