The Tooth Friendly Foods You Should be Eating Now
Oral health is far more important than many people realise. It's certainly nice to have sparkly white teeth and a filling free mouth, but there are even more important reasons to make your oral health more of a priority.
The state of a person's teeth and gums can cause more than toothache (not that that is anything to be taken lightly). Numerous research studies have found that poor oral health can be directly linked to an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, celiac disease, diabetes, sinus infection, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux in some people. In fact, there are times when a dentist spots the signs of these serious health issues before a traditional medical doctor does.
Like any other aspect of our health, nutrition plays a key role in your overall oral health. Many are familiar with the common enemies that teeth have; sugary snacks and sugary drinks. But did you know that certain foods and beverages are actually oral health friendly, and consuming them more often will not only boost your oral health but help support your overall well-being as well?
Dental Friendly Foods
Here's a look at some of the best of these dental friendly foods and the benefits they offer your teeth and gums as well as the rest of you:
Probiotics
The term probiotics has become something of a dietary buzzword over the past few years, but the benefits of these 'gut friendly' bacteria are usually associated with improving digestive health.
However, as researchers explored that connection they discovered another possible benefit; a decrease in the risk of gingivitis and cavities thanks to the fermenting nature of these bacteria slowing the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
Live yoghurt is the best source of additional probiotics, and the calcium it contains can also help strengthen teeth as well.
Cheese
If you are a cheese lover, here's another reason why your preference isn't a bad one at all. In addition to the calcium it contains several studies have found that when you eat it the PH in the mouth is raised, lowering the risk of tooth decay.
Leafy Greens
You'll find leafy greens on almost any list of healthy foods you should be eating, and this one is no exception. Basically, the original 'superfoods', leafy greens - spinach, kale, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce etc. - are high in calcium, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and in folic acid, which has been shown to help prevent gum disease, especially in pregnant women.
Apples
Yes, apples are sweet and sticky. But as far as your teeth are concerned, in this instance that can be a good thing. They have a very high water content, so eating an apple can help wash away bacteria in the mouth rather effectively until you can get to a bathroom to brush your properly. Celery is great for your teeth for the same reasons, but perhaps not quite as much fun to eat.
Green Tea
Green tea is clever stuff as it has all kinds of potential overall health benefits. It can help improve oral health thanks to the polyphenols it contains that have been shown to help fight plaque causing bacteria rather effectively.
Water
Again, drinking plenty of water is almost always included in any healthy diet advice. In terms of your oral health not only is a big glass of water a lot better for you than soda or juice it will help rinse away bacteria as well.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
By eating these foods more frequently you'll be healthier overall, and your oral health will get a big boost too. Couple that with regular dental checkups and you can do big things to improve your oral health in 2018 with very little effort at all.