It’s certainly important to be aware of foods that should be avoided
because of the damage they have on teeth, but why not focus on delicious
and nutritious options that can help? Adding some beneficial foods to
your dental care routine can boost your oral health and help you
maintain that beautiful smile.
You’re probably used to dentists and doctors always telling you what foods to avoid in order to improve your health – the key word is always “don’t.”
This time, however, I’m happy to be the bearer of good news. There are several great foods that you should be eating to improve oral health.
You’re probably used to dentists and doctors always telling you what foods to avoid in order to improve your health – the key word is always “don’t.”
This time, however, I’m happy to be the bearer of good news. There are several great foods that you should be eating to improve oral health.
Just in case you needed another reason to enjoy cheese, I’m here to give you one. This study gives
us a few reasons this delicious dairy does a mouth good. First, just
like milk and other dairy-rich foods, cheese is high in calcium and low
in acid. Calcium fortifies teeth (and bones), prevents decay and may
even let you keep your pearly whites longer in old age.
Cheese
also contains a protein called casein, which is great at stopping
bacteria from attaching to teeth. That means that cheese (and milk) can
actually help prevent cavities. So, at the next dinner party where
you’re parked at the cheese plate, just explain that it’s for your oral
health.
An
apple a day might, in fact, help keep the dentist away. Crunchy,
high-fiber fruits and veggies, like apples and celery for example, are
great for teeth. They require some pretty decent effort to chew and
break down, resulting in saliva production, which helps neutralize
harmful acids in the mouth.
Additionally, as
the food is broken down, it cleans your teeth. The fibrous pieces are
natural scrubbers that get rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth as
you chew. Fiber-rich foods are also beneficial for digestion and your
heart, so you really can’t go wrong.
Sesame oil has long been hailed for its health and healing properties. When it comes to oral care, studies show
that this oil is highly effective at reducing plaque, and thus,
gingivitis. Because it has a fairly strong flavor, it may not be
appropriate for all of your cooking needs, but it’s a perfect option for
those healthy stir-fries and Asian dishes.
You
can even use straight sesame oil in place of a plaque-fighting
mouthwash. Oil pulling is an Eastern medicine method that involves
gargling with sesame oil. Scientific studies have shown
that swishing around a tablespoon of the stuff can reduce bacteria and
even prevent more from forming on teeth. It may not taste as good as
your minty mouthwash, but it is a great natural alternative.
While
you’ll never hear a good dentist condoning soda, we realize that many
people do enjoy the occasional fizzy drink. If you must have one, try
eating some broccoli beforehand. A pre-soda broccoli appetizer might
sound strange, but a European study
showed that the iron in the vegetable actually creates a natural acid
barrier over teeth. This coating helps prevent the acid in sodas from
attaching to teeth and causing cavities. While this doesn’t give you a
free license to chug soda, it can be used to help offset the harmful
effects of sugary, acidic beverages.
Just
like fibrous foods, gum increases saliva, which is your body’s natural
defense against the build-up of oral bacteria. Most sugarless chewing
gums also contain a natural sweetening ingredient called Xylitol, which
actually helps reduce the bacteria that results in tooth decay. However,
it may be best to stick to mint-flavored gums because of the acid that
other artificial flavorings can contain.
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