Oral health is a vital component of physical health that often gets overlooked until it’s too late. This is illustrated by the not-so-good statistics available. For instance, 90% of American adults have cavities, and 25% have untreated tooth decay. Just like other aspects of your physical health, your diet significantly affects your oral health. If you want to improve your oral health and your family’s, consider including these foods in your diet today.
1. Dairy products
Dairy products have several benefits for your body than just making every meal more exciting. These foods strengthen your dental health and protect your teeth from decay. Cheese lovers would be happy to hear that chewing cheese has been found to stimulate the flow of saliva, which ensures harmful substances such as excess sugar and bacteria are washed away from the mouth. Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, contain nutrients such as whey and casein that strengthen the enamel of your teeth, preventing cavities and tooth decay. The calcium found in these foods also strengthens your jawbone, protecting you from diseases such as osteoporosis.
2. Nuts
When you want a quick snack, a packet of crisps and a tall glass of soda may seem like the ideal choice. While this may satisfy your temporal craving, the effects of it are long-lasting on your teeth and overall dental health. A healthier alternative to consider is nuts. Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and Brazilian nuts are great to snack on as they give your body essential nutrients. They are also known to promote healthy oral health. For example, nuts such as peanuts are infused with Vitamin D and calcium that protect the teeth and gums from harmful bacteria. Walnuts contain several beneficial elements, such as potassium, zinc, Vitamin E, iron, and magnesium, all vital to keeping your teeth healthy. Additionally, chewing nuts can lower your risk of gum disease and further strengthen your teeth. However, if you wear dentures or have sensitive teeth, you should do so carefully to avoid causing any issues.
3. Tea
A nice cup of hot tea is always a great idea. However, besides helping you unwind or prepare for the day, drinking tea also improves your oral hygiene. Both green and black tea contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation in your gaps. Tea also contains polyphenols that kill plaque bacteria, protecting your teeth from growing or acid-producing bacteria and their negative effects. However, it is important to drink your tea in moderation. This is because frequent consumption has been shown to stain your teeth. Although this has not been shown to have negative effects, you can agree that that is not a confidence booster.
4. Water
Water, especially when it contains fluoride, can be regarded as a natural way to fight off cavity-causing bacteria as it fortifies your teeth and kills off bacteria. Fortunately, you can access water containing fluoride straight from your tap! Drinking water also washes away food remnants and other bad elements that can cause mouth odor or other adverse effects.
