Four high protein foods and drink for tip top oral health

Everyone knows that cutting back on sugary drinks and foods is vital for preserving your oral health. There are other dietary decisions that can help too, including making sure you eat enough protein. According to experts, people who consume little of the nutrient suffer for it.Specifically, protein that comes from animals is known to contain several nutrients that support healthy teeth and gums.Milk, cheese and lean meats like chicken are especially good sources, according to experts.A new review, looking at many different oral health studies, published in the journal Nutrients concluded that ‘protein-energy malnutrition’ could be linked to poor oral prospects, including cavities, thinning of enamel, and the shrinking of your salivary glands.When salivary glands aren’t working as well as they should be, your mouth is at higher risk of infections.READ MORE: 95% of heart attack survivors report experiencing two symptoms 1 month prior to the event Animal proteins have nutrients that are important for oral health (Image: Getty Images)And worn enamel also leaves your teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay. Enamel is the thin protective layer on your teeth.US dental experts at Doctor Kindt explained the value of animal protein: ‘Animal proteins play a vital role in keeping your teeth and jawbone strong and healthy.”This is because animal proteins contain phosphorus. Phosphorus strengthens the teeth and jaw muscles by binding to the enamel of your teeth.’Since enamel can’t be regrown, the best way to protect it from wear is to strengthen it as much as possible, and phosphorus can help with that.’DON’T MISSCan you mix alcohol and statins? NHS issues ‘serious’ health warning to Britons [INSIGHT]Blood clots warning: Four types of drinks to avoid – can cause ‘hardening’ of arteries [EXPERT]A ‘dull ache’ in three areas of the body could signal prostate cancer, expert warns [CANCER] Lean meat including chicken may be beneficial for oral health (Image: Getty Images) Dairy is thought to be good for dental health because of the calcium in it (Image: GETTY)’First, it is low in sugar and high in calcium. It contains casein, which is a protein that is particularly useful for fortifying tooth enamel.’Cheese is high in calcium, which is important for maintaining bone density. Cheese is also high in phosphate content, which helps balance pH levels in the mouth, which helps to preserve tooth enamel.’ChickenLean poultry is another source of phosphorus and calcium.If you’re a vegetarian don’t be too alarmed though. Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are also good sources of calcium.Red MeatAccording to the University of Illinois, Chicago, meat can also be beneficial because of the chewing required to eat it, which triggers saliva to be produced.’More saliva is good, because it decreases acidity in your mouth and washes away particles of food that lead to decay. Red meat and even organ meats are especially beneficial.’It’s important to remember that there are plenty of other nutrients that play a vital role in our oral and overall health. Protein should generally be consumed as part of a balanced, healthy diet.