Introduction
We all know that healthy teeth and gums are really important to stay on top of oral health.
By eating the right foods – and avoiding the wrong ones – you can help your mouth stay clean and strong!
Your diet — what you eat and how often you eat — are crucial factors in preventing cavities and maintaining good dental health.
When you drink and eat too many sugary or starchy foods, you don’t only feed yourself, you also give fuel to the bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
Mouth-healthy foods and drinks
Certain foods have natural chemical components that can prevent the formation of hazardous mouth germs.
Likewise, some foods can stimulate your salivary glands, which wash away sugar and bacteria.
The best food choices for the health of your mouth include eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods that contain calcium and phosphorus, both of which are needed to re-mineralize teeth and protect tooth enamel.
Some of the most effective food options to actively promote oral health include:
- Carrots
- Cheese
- Sesame seeds
- Raw Onions
- Salmon
- Celery
- Apples
- Strawberries
Carrots
Carrots are one of the best cavity-fighting vegetables. In addition to being high in nutrients, this bright vegetable is high in vitamin C, calcium, and keratin, all of which are good for your teeth.
Munching crunchy, raw carrot acts as a natural toothbrush to clean your teeth. The chewing action not only massages your gums but also scrubs away stain-causing microorganisms and food particles clinging onto your pearly whites.
All-in-all it’s an excellent choice if you need an in-between snack.
Cheese
A new study led by an Indian-origin researcher has claimed that cheese is one of the ideal foods to eat, to improve your oral health.
It contains a protein called casein, which can neutralise oral acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. In addition, it has high levels of phosphate and calcium, which naturally strengthen teeth and bones.
Furthermore, research has found that cheese also helps balance the pH level in your mouth. That being said, it is important to remember that not every product that is labelled as cheese, supports healthy teeth.
American cheese or pre-packaged cheese dips can wear down the tooth’s enamel. If you are seeking tooth-friendly cheese, make sure that you choose cheddar cheese.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are an excellent tool to neutralize acid and boost dental health. Chewing a handful of roasted white or brown (not black) sesame seeds strengthens the teeth and helps to remineralize tooth enamel.
As you chew, they also help slough off leftover food particles and bacteria away from your teeth.
Raw onions
This may seem odd since onions can cause bad breath, but chewing raw onion is incredibly healthy for your oral health.
Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help strengthen the teeth and kill off harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Chewing some raw onion for 2 or 3 minutes can help diminish the severity of gingivitis and periodontitis (gum diseases).
Salmon
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for good oral health, as it allows the body to effectively absorb calcium and put it to good use throughout.
Salmon offers tons of both vitamin C and calcium — important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Celery
Celery is an amazing superfood that helps your mouth fight the forces of tooth decay.
The crunchy nature of celery gives your teeth a great workout. As you chew celery, the natural strings that grow in it make it excellent for removing plaque, leftover foods and the bacteria that so often associate with them.
Researchers have found that it also contains chemicals that are powerful aids in preventing cavities and gum disease.
Apples
Apples have a distinguished reputation for having several health benefits. They are also good for your teeth because they are highly acidic and the natural sugars within apples help neutralise harmful acids in the mouth.
Also, the physical act of chewing on an apple can reduce bacteria concentrations in the mouth and dislodge food particles.
In addition, apples can enhance the wellbeing of your teeth through the vitamin A that it contains, which strengthens mucous membranes.
Apple juice can guard against dental problems like gum or periodontal disease. If you have a sweet tooth, instead of reaching for a candy bar or dessert, try an apple!
Strawberries
Another fibrous berry, strawberries are great for brightening your smile and keeping your teeth free of stains.
Strawberries are packed with malic acid, which is actually a good natural whitener for enamel – without the harmful chemicals and high cost of formal dental work.
Strawberries contain vitamin C, which helps your body produce collagen – a protein vital to maintaining your gums’ strength.
Final thoughts
In addition to following a healthy diet, good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing your mouth, can make a difference in your oral health.
Additionally, it’s important that you seek regular dental check-ups so that any potential problems are caught early and any issues are treated before too late.
As an add-on, make a habit of taking preventive health checkups as they can help you in getting a complete insight into your health. This will also help you with taking measures to promote your overall well-being.
