How to know which Foods Are Important To Your Oral Health?

We are what we eat! The same goes for our teeth and gums. What you choose to eat at a time profoundly affects your total oral health.  The role of functional foods in oral health is on the higher side then you think!

American Dental Association mentions mouth as an initial point of contact to nutrition. So what we consume impacts our overall health, including teeth, gums, and mouth. If we have poor nutrition – the first signs of illness, diseases, or deficiency always show up in the mouth.

Dentists and health care experts rave on about brushing and flossing teeth correctly. And it’s correct brushing and flossing is helping you clean up all the plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth. Keeping up with good oral hygiene is a must – with the quality nutrition to maintain it. We have made a list of functional foods important to your oral health.

fruit-basket-grapes-apples-pears

Dairy – Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt

One thing common in Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt is they have high calcium content. Calcium is one of many building blocks for healthy teeth and bones – And is also important to maintain bone density. Cheese contains protein – casein, which helps in strengthening tooth enamel. Cheese also has high amounts of phosphate, which helps in balancing pH levels in the mouth.

Milk is already famous for its calcium content; apart from that, it has low acid levels, which helps fight tooth decay. Yogurt packs with probiotics which protect against gum diseases and cavities! Get guidance from your health care provider if you are lactose intolerant. If you are a person who wants in-depth knowledge of dental practices, you can always log in to dental CE online for more information.

Crunchy Veggies – Celery and Carrot

Veggies are good for your teeth – Why? When you chew fresh vegetables, they clean up the surface of teeth very effectively and naturally. They contain lots of water, which are excellent natural teeth cleaners that scrub away food particles and bacteria.

Celery is nature’s dental floss – its fibrous and crunchy texture makes it a natural teeth cleanser. On the other hand, carrots are rich in vitamin C, calcium, and keratins, which fortify gums and teeth. Carrots combined with mouth saliva helps wash out bacteria from the mouth and act as a natural toothbrush.

Apples and Pears

By the famous proverb, an apple keeps the doctor away – it’s accurate to a certain point. Eating hard fibrous foods like apples will help you clean your teeth. Plus, it will help increase the salivation process, which in return will neutralize the malic and citric acids left in the mouth.

Same for Pears, they are said to be acidic fruits. But raw pears are excellent at neutralizing acids that cause tooth decay. Sweet apples and pears may indeed cause tooth decay. That makes it very important to make sure you eat them raw and fresh. So make sure you take a healthy bite everyday!

Leafy Vegetables

Probably green leafy vegetables are extensively advertised by health care experts plus classic cartoon series Popeye the Sailor Man. Popeye gains extreme strength and fights villains after eating a handful of spinach. The same goes for our teeth – Green leafy vegetables contain Folic acid, aka iron, calcium, and tons of minerals and vitamins. Your teeth and gums will appreciate you for eating green leafy salad!

Nuts

Nuts are full of phosphorus and calcium. Specifically, Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews help to fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. Peanuts are a great source of Vitamin D and calcium, which are extremely helpful in maintaining healthy gums.

Walnuts are all-rounder from all the nuts – they contain everything from fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and range of vitamins like E and B6. Cashews stimulate saliva in the mouth, which washes out bacteria and neutralizes acids in the mouth. You should always get the advice of your dentist or doctors if you are allergic to nuts

Berries

We all know berries are super rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. These properties help in growth and repair tissues in all parts of your body. Vitamin C helps in maintaining collagen present in the dentin of teeth. Collagen gives strength and gives structure to your teeth.

Cranberries are rich in polyphenols, which prevent the formation of plaque on teeth. Strawberries contain malic acid, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which could naturally help to whiten your teeth. It is essential to know that canned berries have too much artificial sugar, which is harmful to teeth. These fruits should be eaten raw.

Fish and Meat

Fatty fish have an abundance of phosphorus, which is a vital mineral to protect your tooth enamel. Fish are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to slow down inflammation in your bodies. In turn, it helps in the prevention of gum and dental diseases.

Most of the meats offer all the crucial nutrients mentioned above. Meat is abundant in B12, which is lacking in other foods. B12 is an essential component of all the vital metabolism in your body and is necessary for oral health care.

Tea

Green and black teas are a source of naturally occurring polyphenols. Polyphenols are reducing agents that prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. They can help in fighting cancer. So take a healthy sip of green or black tea whichever you prefer.

Water

Water is the healthiest of any drink available today in the world. They help in washing out all the bacteria from the mouth and body, helps to stay hydrated and distribute nutrients. Fluoride incorporated water is nature’s cavity fighter – which will help the prevention of cavities.

In the end, it’s safe to say that food containing Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Vitamin C, and Polyphenols are heroes’ oral health care. It is necessary to have these foods incorporated with our daily diets. You can make out that eating raw fruits and vegetables is more beneficial than canned or packed.

All the above-listed food have a good impact on your oral health – and that too of your body. Once you start eating functional foods, your body will surely change for good. Eat healthily! Stay Healthy!

Leave a Comment