8 Best Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums

We all have heard of the line, “we are what we eat.” Proper diet is something we cannot avoid. People start keeping a check on their diet mostly when they want to loose their weight. What they forget to notice is that, food they intake equally impact their oral health. Brushing and flossing are important for the teeth but they are not enough to properly look after their oral health. Maintaining the health of the gums is a more difficult task. Many times, when the patient visits the dentist and the problem is still not severe, the dentist suggests the patient to change their diet and eat food that would give the oral health a boost.

Having proper nutritional food is an essential factor in promoting good health. People who consume sticky products like candies and items containing starch report more dental issues as compared to people who follow a proper healthy diet. Eating more green food items and avoiding carbonated drinks are the key to ensure that the teeth and gums stay strong for a longer period of time, after all taking precautions is better than going through the treatments after the damage has been done.

The orthodontist near me suggested me the top food items that I can consume to ensure better health of my teeth and gums. They are as follows:

Cheese

Diary products are a good choice for maintaining the health of our teeth, especially cheese. Cheese has high levels of calcium and protein. As it known by everyone, calcium is good for the teeth. It helps the protective shield of the tooth, enamel stay strong and defensive against the bacteria attack. However it is suggested that we avoid processed cheese as they can wear down the enamel, as against the nature of the cheese and increase the chances of cavities.

 

Raw vegetables

Chewing raw vegetables like carrots is like an exercise for the mouth. They stimulate the gum and improve the health of the teeth. Some of the raw vegetables have beta carotene. It supports the functioning of Vitamin A which is a key nutrient behind strong teeth. The crispy fruits and vegetables like apple, celery help clean plaque and also remove bad breath.

 

Onions

People tend to avoid consuming onions as they believe onions only leave the bad breath behind. But the fact is, onions are really good for the oral heath. They have microbial properties that kill the most affecting bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities. They are even crunchy which again helps remove the plaque from the hidden the areas and keep the teeth and gums stronger for a long period of time.

 

Leafy vegetables

Spinach, cabbage, lettuce and other such leafy vegetables are well known for their health benefits. They promote good oral health. They are high in calcium and contain folic acid, type of B Vitamin that not only helps build the teeth enamel but also helps treat gum disease in pregnant women. Leafy vegetable like kale is a good source of Vitamin C that helps fight periodontal disease.

 

Citrus fruits

Vitamin C can be found in citrus foods and peppers. Though acidic in nature, citrus foods are actually very good for the gums. Fruits like kiwis, pineapple have anti- inflammatory benefits and act as a protective shield against bacteria attack. Vitamin C also helps fight plaque and prevents the teeth from cavities. In the absence of Vitamin C, the gums become sensitive and more susceptible to the bacteria that then increases the chances of having periodontal disease.

 

Fish

Most fishes, especially cold water fishes are high in Omega- 3. Fish oil is having DHA and EPA reduce the risk of periodontitis. It is caused by a certain bacteria and triggers inflammation of the gums and the roots. The bacteria is already present in the mouth and Omega-3 fights those bacteria from attaching the teeth. It becomes harmful when the food debris, plaque starts building up in the area brushing cannot clean. Treatment of periodontitis can be longing and the pain can also become unbearable. Having fish can prevent the situation from becoming a problem for the teeth.

 

Mushroom

Mushroom contain Lentinan which in antibacterial compound that fights the plaque building bacteria in the mouth. If the plaque is not removed then it can cause irritation and also lead to gingivitis and gum disease. Mushrooms can be consumed in different ways. They can be boiled and and taken alone or can be added to the meals or on the sides of the meals, whatever you prefer. Plaque build up is the cause of most of the oral issues and if increased can also lead to other health issues, even heart diseases.

Nuts

Nuts, just like raw vegetables is an exercise for the mouth. Chewing on nuts can produce extra saliva and neutralize bacteria preventing plaque that can cause cavities and other major tooth problems. Almonds alone provide lot of calcium the teeth. Walnuts have many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, potassium and zinc. All these minerals trigger each other and provide a covering to the teeth against the harmful bacteria’s.

Taking care of the teeth and the gums is an activity that no one should ever overlook. Our mouth impacts our health in ways we cannot imagine. Having bad teeth can also alter the personality of the person. Most people with bad teeth feel under confident and have problem interacting with other people. If they do not feel conscious enough to walk up to a person and talk, their teeth can ruin their entire reputation before they even come to notice about it. The orthodontist near me made emphasis on changing my diet along with the advice to brush and floss twice a day. Dental care is as important as other health factors and the lack of information about the dangerous affect it can have on peoples health is the major reason behind people ignoring their dental heath. It is important to visit the dentist regularly and keep a check on the teeth even before the problem occurs.