There is a lot of truth to the expression “you are what you eat,” especially for your gum and teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease-causing bacteria inside the mouth enjoy the sweet and starchy foods you eat. As a result, your diet can be the difference between wearing a healthy smile and making regular trips to the dentist. Consuming a diverse range of nutrient-dense meals from all food categories supports healthy teeth and gums. Below are seven amazing foods to brighten your smile and boost your oral health.
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Crunchy vegetables
Loading up on crunchy vegetables is a terrific way to tap into natural teeth cleansing. The fiber and roughage-rich crunchy vegetable aids in removing plaque from the teeth’ surface when eating. Aside from that, it also increases the water content in your mouth, which washes the plaque away from your gum and teeth. Carrots, for instance, are a wonderful cavity-fighting veggie and high in nutrients.
Strawberries
It is common knowledge that vitamin C benefits the body due to its antioxidant properties and role in the repair and growth of tissues in various body regions. It also repairs and promotes tissue growth in various body regions, including the mouth and teeth. Vitamin C is required to produce collagen in the teeth dentin to preserve its structure and strength. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and malic, which can help whiten your teeth naturally. You may also include other C-rich fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, and pears in your diet.
Dairy products
Dairy products have been found in studies to help combat tooth decay. This is due to the component in proteins called casein, which is useful for building a protective coating over your teeth’s outermost layer. Cheese, yogurt, and milk, like all calcium-containing dairy products, can help with bone strengthening and improve your dental enamel to make it more resilient to plaque. When you eat sweets, plaque releases toxic acids that eventually erode tooth enamel, forming cavities. You can increase your calcium to reduce your cavities risk and give your teeth the power and resilience they require.
Garlic and onions
Garlic may not always be the best remedy for bad breath. However, it contains allicin, which has powerful antibacterial qualities and can help combat tooth decay, particularly periodontal disease. Onion may also not be the best option for fresh breath. But when consumed raw, its antibacterial properties can fight against germs that cause cavities and gum disease. Including more garlic and onions in your diet can be useful, especially if you can’t consume them raw.
Meats and fatty fish
Most meats contain essential nutrients, and chewing them also creates saliva. More saliva is also beneficial because it reduces acidity in your mouth and flushes away food particles that cause decay. Red meat and organic meats are particularly healthy. Additionally, it turns out that steak can even safeguard your dental health and help you brighten your smile.
Medical organizations such as the American Dental Association recommend red meat because it is high in phosphorus, which is important for bone and teeth enamel protection. So feel free to indulge in your favorite lamb chop recipe, beef stew, or even this easy Salisbury steak recipe, but ensure that you enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. Fish is also very helpful in protecting your smile. Phosphorus is also abundant in fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. Additionally, omega-3 fats are believed to calm oral infections and inflammation as it reduces tissue breakdown, and improves general dental health.
Nuts
Nuts are great for teeth because they are rich in essential nutrients, such as phosphorous and calcium. Cashews, almonds, and brazil nuts can help your immune system combat the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Peanuts, for instance, are calcium-rich and beneficial for your gums and teeth. Cashews are noted for stimulating saliva, whereas walnuts have everything from folic acid, iron, fiber, potassium, zinc, and other vitamins.
Whole grains
It is true that simple carbs can attach to your teeth and aid in the growth of cavities, but fortunately, whole grains do not. According to the University of Colorado, brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, and other whole grains are better options because they include complex carbs that provide bacteria to help break down less digestible food. They also include a variety of additional nutrients that actively support the health of your teeth and gums.
Eating healthy diets isn’t only great for your oral health but your overall well-being. The above foods can be useful for improving your smile. However, it isn’t best to seek professional assistance in severe cases.
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