Regular oral hygiene and visits to the dentist help to ensure that you are on the right track to protect your oral health. You can also take small steps in your daily life to benefit your teeth and gums. Here are four ways to snack and sip your way to better oral health.

Drink green tea instead of coffee.

Coffee gives you a great caffeinated boost, but the acids and sugars associated with coffee can leave your teeth at risk for developing plaque. Swap out a cup of java for a steamy or iced cup of green tea. A study by the American Academy of Periodontology showed that catechin, an antioxidant in green tea, helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body, and especially in the gums. This antioxidant is thought to reduce all of the hallmark symptoms of gingivitis. Participants in the study who drank green tea regularly reported less bleeding upon probing and less sagging of their gum tissue.

Make a citrus salad for your midday snack.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, mangoes, and clementines are chock full of vitamin C. A recent study showed that low levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream are linked to the gum disease periodontitis. To keep your immune system and oral tissues in good shape, make sure you include plenty of sources of vitamin C in your daily diet. If citrus fruits are not your style, you can also add some vitamin C into your meals with vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and kale.

Eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables.

Brushing and flossing regularly greatly reduces your incidence of tooth decay. Snacking on crunchy fruits and vegetables can also help on this front. An increased amount of chewing stimulates the production of more saliva in your mouth. The increased saliva in your mouth helps to wash away sugar particles that are left behind on your teeth and gums. You can reach for crunchy pears and apples to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. The high water content of these fruits dilutes the effects of their natural sugars.

Drink water between meals and sugary snacks.

Water is good for you in general. It is also good for your teeth and oral tissues. Drink a glass of water between meals and snacks if you are unable to brush your teeth. This helps to reduce food particles that are left behind that bond with bacteria to form plaque. Drinking water also helps to reset the pH in your mouth, making it less acidic and inviting for bacteria. To find out more, contact a business like Kids Dental Tree.