You might not think that the food and drink we consume has much to do with our overall oral hygiene, but you would be mistaken. Food and drink actually have a surprising impact on our dental health, for different reasons. For example, carbonated drinks can lead to tooth decay, whereas still water lacks colour, sugar and acid and so would be the better choice for someone looking to care for their teeth. These simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference when it comes to the integrity of our teeth, so are there other foods that we should be incorporating into our diet in order to look after our teeth more? In short, yes, and we are going to list them in this article for you.
Yoghurts, milk & cheeses
Dairy products are renowned for containing high levels of calcium and protein, as well as a variety of different minerals and vitamins. Milk is excellent for the integrity of your teeth, due to its high calcium content and low sugar levels. It also contains casein, which is known to be useful for fortifying tooth enamel. Cheese, much like milk, is also high in calcium and low in sugar, but it also contains phosphate, which aids in balancing pH levels in the mouth, to help maintain tooth enamel.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens, especially spinach, are high in iron, calcium, folic acid and a variety of different vitamins. Kale is also something that is extremely healthy generally, meaning it benefits your oral health as well as your general health. If you are not a great fan of vegetables like spinach or kale, the great thing about leafy greens is that there is a wide variety to choose from. Some other leafy greens that you could try, aside from spinach and kale, that will still provide the best possible oral health benefits, include the following:
- Spring greens
- Cabbage
- Watercress
- Romaine lettuce
- Seakale beet
- Rocket
- Pak choy
- Chicory
- Brussel sprouts
Nuts
Nuts of any kind, but specifically almonds, can benefit oral health greatly. Not only are they a great source of calcium, but they are also high in protein and low in sugar. Sugar isn’t something that you want your teeth to come in regular contact with, making nuts the most ideal thing to snack on if you are feeling peckish.
As well as calcium and protein, nuts also contain high amounts of phosphorus, especially cashews, almonds and Brazil nuts. In addition to that, cashews and hazelnuts in particular are also high in fibre, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and even zinc. Not only are nuts essential for oral health, they are also beneficial in terms of general health.
Salmon
Salmon has long been considered a healthy fish to eat as it has low fat content but contains a high level of protein, much like chicken. Protein is great for gum health as it can help to revitalise and repair any damaged muscle, not just in the mouth but in the body in general.
You might find that a lot of athletes eat a considerable amount of salmon for this very reason, especially runners, to help with recovery times. In addition to that, salmon also contains a high level of vitamin D which encourages the body to absorb calcium. This, in turn, ensures healthy bones and teeth.
Carrots
Carrots provide most of the oral health benefits when eaten raw. The fact that they are crunchy and hard means that the gums are massaged as you are chewing, therefore increasing blood flow around the area and improving their health overall. This can help to prevent gum disease and inflammation. They also contain a significant amount of keratin and vitamin A which aids in tooth repair should some minor damages be present.
Lean meats
Lean meats, such as chicken, contain a great amount of protein, which is beneficial to the teeth. It is also a reliable source of phosphorus, which is a mineral that prompts bone production and remodelling. Without phosphorus, the teeth would become very brittle, especially if you have a large amount of vitamin D and calcium in your diet.
Celery
Celery is often described as a natural toothbrush, to an extent. This is because it contains a great level of vitamin K and calcium, which aids in strengthening the teeth. As such, celery can also help to fight gum disease and increase saliva production, which neutralises the acidity in the mouth. This can fight tooth decay and deterioration, which is another reason why celery is great for oral health.
Green tea
Green tea, unlike black tea, breakfast tea or coffee, is beneficial in the sense that, no matter how much you drink of it, it is unlikely to discolour your teeth. Other hot beverages can cause the teeth to turn yellow, but you don’t have to worry about this if you choose green tea over other alternatives.
Green tea also lacks sugar as well as helps to trigger saliva, which neutralises the small amount of acidity that green tea possesses. Green tea can also help to reduce gum inflammation, states a 2016 study, as well as mitigating gum disease by way of the presence of an antioxidant called catechins, according to the NIH.
Apples
Depending on the variety of apple you choose, they can be beneficial in terms of the fact that they are extremely healthy but they are not as acidic as other types of fruit, such as oranges. Apples and other fibrous, hard fruits will increase salivation. This is advantageous in the fact that the saliva will neutralise the citric and malic acids that are left behind in your mouth after eating the apple. Steer clear from apple juices and other drinks that are sugary and supplemented with sweeteners. Opt for the fruit itself or make some apple juice yourself using only apples, refraining from adding sugar or any sweeteners to the juice.
Still water
Not only is water the best way of keeping you hydrated, but it is also the best thing to ensure the integrity of your teeth. Water doesn’t pose any risk in terms of tooth decay or discolouration, yet it keeps you well-hydrated throughout the day and it ensures your mouth looks, feels and smells as fresh as possible. Water also helps to wash away any food particles that might become stuck on or in between your teeth, which can also prevent tooth decay and other issues that could negatively impact your oral health and hygiene, such as gum disease, for example.
Quorn Dental Practice and Implant Clinic have a team of highly-qualified, fully-trained and specialist dentists who can provide a wide range of different dental treatments, including cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening and veneers, gum disease treatment, root canal procedures, orthodontic treatment, emergency dental appointments, dental implants, dental crowns and more. For further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our professional, knowledgeable team – we are always pleased to hear from you.
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