Oral health - What role does nutrition play?

Oral health - What role does nutrition play?

The general health and well-being of your oral cavity depends largely on proper nutrition. Big reactions take place in your mouth when you regularly eat too much sugary foods like candy or even soda. In this scenario, the bacteria in your mouth convert carbohydrates and sugars into acids. These types of acids, in turn, attack tooth enamel and ultimately accelerate the tooth decay process. Therefore, tooth decay is usually the very first dental health problem that you will face if your regular eating habits are not appropriate. Well, here is an overview of the top 10 foods that can enable you to maintain healthy oral health.

1. Cheese

Eating cheese regularly increases the pH of your mouth. This can significantly minimize the risk of tooth decay (tooth decay). Chewing while eating cheese also increases the level of saliva in the oral cavity. As most competent dentists would have it, this is the first line of defense against bacteria. Cheese is also very rich in calcium along with protein that strengthens tooth enamel.

2. Green leafy vegetables

Vegetables like spinach or even kale are essential for maintaining excellent dental health. This leafy green vegetable is loaded with calcium, which is needed for the development of strong and healthy tooth enamel. They are also rich in B complex vitamins and especially folic acid. This vitamin has been shown to treat gum disease in pregnant women.

3. Celery

Admittedly, celery is usually a rather boring vegetable. Nevertheless, regular consumption can be very good for your oral health. Celery is abrasive and can act as a “toothbrush,” scraping away both food particles and bacteria stuck between teeth. In the case of bacteria, the saliva you produce when you eat this vegetable neutralizes Streptococcus mutans. These are simply the bacteria that cause cavities. Celery is also loaded with vitamins A and C. These 2 powerful antioxidants work by improving overall gum health.

4. Apples

As a general rule, you should always make sure to avoid sweet foods, but fruits like apples, which are rich in fiber and water, are an exception. Fiber and water are very important for excellent dental health. Chewing an apple produces a lot of saliva. This saliva can, in turn, wash away food particles that are stuck between the teeth. The fibrous nature of these fruits can also prove extremely useful in effectively stimulating the gums.

5. Tea

The black and green teas are filled with compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols ensure optimal dental health by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that leads to cavities and periondontal disease. When it comes to green tea, it also has other compounds known as catechins that can eradicate bacteria, leading to plaque formation. The continued accumulation of plaque leads to tooth decay.

6. Onion

Onions have powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds that are good for your dental health. They are particularly effective when consumed raw.

7. Yogurt

In addition to protein, yogurt is very rich in calcium. This means that it can effectively strengthen tooth enamel. At the same time, the probiotics it contains are ideal for maintaining healthy gums. This is caused by their uncanny ability to “crowd out” the cavity-causing bacteria. However, only use natural yogurt that does not contain added sugar.

8. Kiwi

Kiwi is the fruit with the highest vitamin C content. A severe deficiency of this essential antioxidant leads to the breakdown of rubber collagen. Ultimately, the gums become tender and much more susceptible to bacteria that cause gum disease.

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in the healthy development of tooth enamel. Sweet potatoes are also necessary for proper healing of gum tissue.

10. Meat

Meat, including chicken, is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which play a large role in “minerizing” teeth. If you are in the dark, this is simply a natural process by which minerals are deposited on tooth enamel as they have been eroded by the formation of acids.