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Nutritional Effects of Specific Foods on Dental Health

Author: Pooja Agrawal
by Pooja Agrawal
Posted: Jun 15, 2019

Have you ever found yourself so busy that you forgot to take a break? Or you happened to forget to check on something that is really important? In fact, people even tend to forget about their health and practice bad habits blaming the stress they suffer from. Such cases are familiar in the case of oral health where we neglect it almost completely. Bad habits and even poor oral care are to blame.

Throughout the whole day due to constant snacking, our teeth come under relentless attack from the bacteria that reside in our mouth. They react with the food particles creating small acidic reactions. Although they are quite harmless, any increase in their levels could trigger various oral problems. This is why it is very important to keep them at bay with good oral hygiene practices.

You may benefit from daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste but did you know that our daily diet can also be the deciding factor between good and bad oral health. Various nutrient-rich foods from different food groups promote healthy teeth and gums. Just like they are good for your overall health, similarly eating fruits, veggies, protein-rich, and calcium-rich foods and whole grains provide the essential nutrients required for optimum oral health as well.

According to Christine D. Wu - a pediatric dentist and researcher at the University of Illinois, Chicago - says "Just as some functional foods that keep our heart healthy, there are certain foods that may promote oral health." These are a few of them that may show some hope:

Tea: The substance in tea called Polyphenols slows down the growth of bacteria associated with plaque and cavities and also gum disease. A research group found that people who rinsed their mouths with black tea for a minute for 10 times a day had much less plaque buildup compared to ones who rinsed with only water. In a 2010 study, it was observed that polyphenols also suppress the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath or Halitosis.

Cheese: A research published in the Journal of General Dentistry said that kids and teens who ate cheese had low acid levels in their mouth compared to the ones who drank milk or ate sugar-free yogurt. The PH levels of the mouth of cheese eaters were high. Chewing cheese neutralizes the plaque acid and promotes saliva production which washes away the bacteria.

Crunchy Foods: This category consist of raw fruits and vegetables. Eating crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and cucumbers can be helpful in two ways. First- these foods contain necessary vitamins which are good for our health. Second- eating such foods increases saliva production. Just remember to drink a glass of water to flush down the remaining food particles.

Raisins: They are naturally sweet. Raisins don't contain any processed sugar. They are a source of certain phytochemicals that help kill cavity-causing plaque bacteria.

Mineral-rich food: Food containing calcium such as milk, cheese, almonds, leafy veggies and food high in phosphorus like fish and eggs helps in keeping gums and tooth enamel strong and healthy.

Sugarless gum: Try a stick of sugarless gum to promote saliva flow washing away the bacteria. Remember, only ‘sugarless gum’.

In addition to a healthy diet, brushing and flossing are also equally important. There is no meaning to eat healthy food and let that food stay in your teeth. Use of fluoridated toothpaste when brushing twice a day can help prevent oral health problems. Flossing with Oracura Water Flosser once a day and seeking regular oral health care can also help alongside healthful eating. Regular visits to the dentist are a must and skipping those could lead you to become toothless one day.

Remember, when fortune is against you, even jelly can break your teeth. Don’t let that happen.

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Author: Pooja Agrawal

Pooja Agrawal

Member since: Jul 13, 2018
Published articles: 91

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