Choose Healthy Foods For Good Oral Health

Most of us think about our teeth right away when asked about oral health. We often prioritise dental fillings over dental hygiene treatment, which focuses on removal of bacterial buildup from the teeth in order to help heal the gums. We should recognise the importance of our gums, however. Firm and healthy gums help to prevent food debris from getting trapped under the gums and causing dental problems or infections. By preventing dental infections, they help to protect the bone and teeth in the mouth.

Keeping our gums healthy by adopting good oral hygiene habits is one step. Choosing healthy foods that contribute to gum health is another beneficial step that we sometimes neglect.

Try These Foods

Green tea

Green tea is high in antioxidants, and recent research shows that it can fight inflammation.  Green tea contains catechins, which are a type of antioxidant. Researchers found that drinking green tea routinely promotes healthy teeth and gums. Researchers also found that those people who drank green tea often had better periodontal health than people who drank less green tea.

Carrots, celery, and apples

Foods such as carrots and celery can scrape away leftover food and plaque due to their hard and crunchy buildup. These foods also stimulate the production of extra saliva, since chewing takes longer to eat these high fibre foods. Saliva aids in flushing away food debris and helping with digestion. Try to eat these foods at the end of your meal in order scrub away leftover food.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are high in calcium which helps to strengthen bone. Dairy products also contain the protein casein, which neutralises acids produced by oral bacteria. The acids produced by oral bacteria cause decay to the tooth’s enamel.

Leafy foods

Leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are high in vitamin C content. Vitamin C aids in reducing inflammation, which helps with gum disease. Similar to carrots and celery, these leafy vegetables are also high in fibre. This means that more saliva is used when chewing them, resulting in increased flushing of leftover food in the mouth.

Remember always to consult with your dietician or family doctor when making significant changes to your diet. Some foods may need to be added to your diet gradually and in small amounts. Your body has a better chance of adapting the new dietary changes when they are gradual changes.