Here’s the List of Foods that are best for Oral Health

posted in: Oral Health | 0

Teeth Healthy FoodsOral health turns out to be the first casualty when you choose to eat unhealthy or less than ideal stuff. Your tongue and teeth show what you eat daily. The mouth witnesses a constant attack from acids and harmful bacteria on teeth. Tooth enamel gets eroded, demineralized due to acids. Thankfully, minerals like phosphates, fluoride, and calcium present in saliva help in the remineralization process.

Eating food items that contain starch and sugar can slow down this natural process of damage fixing. But, unfortunately, healthy eating habits do not remain a primary concern after the celebration of National Nutrition Month in March. Anyway, here’re several food items that are best for your oral health during all seasons.

Cavity-fighting carrots

Crunchy, raw carrots are nature’s toothbrush. Carrot is considered as a natural abrasive and prevents dental decay due to its vitamin A, as well as Keratin content.

It’s the right snack item to be eaten between meals. Its particles combine with saliva and wash away food particles as well as stain-causing bacteria.

Say cheese!

If you are a cheese lover, maintaining good oral health can be another reason to put more cheese in your dinner and lunch plate.

A lot has already been discussed when it comes to the benefits of dairy products on overall health. But, details about their impact on oral health remain confined in files at research labs. A study published by the General Dentistry Journal (May/June 2013 edition) pointed out that the consumption of cheese helps in protecting the teeth from cavities.

Researchers found that cheese can control tooth decay by increasing the pH level in the mouth. Besides supplying nutrients, calcium, and proteins, cheese also increases the amount of saliva in the mouth.

Sugar-free chewing gum after meals

Specialists may not consider chewing gum as a food item as of course, it cannot be swallowed. However, sugar-free gums offer a broad set of benefits.

Chewing sugar-free gum increases physical activity of the mouth and automatically triggers salivary flow. Such additional saliva flow helps in clearing food particles and decay-causing acids resulting in clean and healthy teeth. Chewing gum containing sugar alternative-Xylitol can even help in reducing cavity-causing bacteria. Particular chewing gums available in the markets can harden tooth enamel as well.

Add almonds to a salad

Almonds contain gum-stimulating fiber and tooth-building calcium besides other proteins. Chewing almonds can increase saliva production. Even adding a few almonds in your lunch, salad can do the trick.

If your teeth are not in good shape to eat raw almonds, you can consider opting for calcium-rich almond butter (sugar-free variant) that offers the same nutritional benefits.

Add yogurt in your daily diet

Along with calcium and protein, yogurt is also a source of good bacteria that work against the formation of cavities. Adding non-sugar yogurt in your daily diet can prove to be extremely beneficial for oral health.

Try unsweetened black or green tea

Tea consists of ingredients like polyphenols that help in fighting cancer, reducing inflammation, and controlling the harmful bacteria present in the mouth. Tea also consists of fluoride, which is crucial for maintaining good oral health. However, adding sugar or honey in the tea can ruin the game.

Yes, meat!

Meat is full of minerals, vitamins, and protein, thus, it is essential for maintaining good oral health. Proper brushing and flossing to get rid of meat particles after eating the same cannot be skipped. However, the hassle is a minor one compared to the benefits. Some studies have pointed out that people who do not eat meat face more dental issues compared to persons who eat it.

Fiber-rich apples

Apple is sweet but still scores well due to its fiber and water content. It also produces excess saliva in the mouth that further helps in rinsing food particles and bacteria.

The list remains incomplete without leafy greens

The list of healthy food items must consist of at least two leafy greens if not more. Leafy greens like-kale, spinach, cabbage, watercress, romaine lettuce, beetroots, turnip greens, arugula, Swiss chard, etc. offer powerful nutrients that play a critical role in overall good health.

They happen to be a rich source of Vitamin B (folic acid) and calcium, which is essential for remineralization of the tooth’s enamel. Lastly, they are full of minerals and vitamins, without the burden of high calories.

Fibrous vegetables, leafy greens, and dairy products are a must. But, along with eating habits, it is advisable to focus on what you drink as well. Avoid sugary drinks, including fruit juice or soda, and opt for water to quench your thirst whenever possible.

Are you worried about derogating oral health? If so, you should consider fixing an appointment for a check-up at Roswell (GA)-based TruCare Dentistry.