10 Foods To Eat For Good Oral Health
- Patient: Hello Doctor, everyone usually tells us that to keep our teeth healthy and strong, we must brush our teeth twice a day and floss them as well. But are there foods and drinks that can ensure that our teeth remain in great condition and ensure their longevity?
- Doctor: Of course! Our food and internal health are one of the most important factors that determine how good our oral health is. Of course, genetics, regular upkeep, and teeth formation also determine their general health, but food can be a great source for better strengthening and conditioning.
- Patient: Great!! Please let me know what those foods are which will benefit me in the long run. I will start including them in my teeth today.
- Doctor: Definitely, make sure to have a well-balanced diet that will support your heart, immunity, bones and gut as well. Here are some delicious options that will not only provide you with the best of health but also a delicious taste.
Food is what fuels the body, and with an inflow of nutrients, vitamins and energy, each cell of our body can function better. Here are some of the food items that you should include for a white and bright smile:
1. Say Yes To Leafy Greens
Since childhood, many of us have had an aversion to leafy green vegetables due to their bland taste. But with so many innovative and lip-smacking recipes available on many websites, you can create a delicious meal with leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, arbi leaves, moringa and many more. They are power-packed with vitamins, and the dark leafy ones have the most calcium for better enamel health.
2. Have More Dairy Products
India as a country has always put a lot of emphasis on milk and its subsidiary products like ghee, malai, curd, paneer and more. These items should be consumed on an everyday basis since they have a high amount of calcium and phosphates. This helps to neutralize the acid in the mouth while paving the way for stronger teeth.
3. An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
This popular saying is not just a lesson but a reality since apples have a multitude of vitamins whose crunchy texture is like an inexpensive scrub for the teeth. It also aids in tossing out food particles and bacteria, which hide in the gaps. So, while scrubbing your body with fancy exfoliants, remember to scrub your teeth as well with the humble apple!
4. Go Nuts Over Nuts
Good things come in small packages'; this rings true for nuts, which are full of calcium, protein and phosphorus. They also have fibre, which makes them a cleaner to help remove food particles. You can consume almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and more.
5. Sip Away Black and Green Tea
Now you have more reasons to have that cup of tea in the morning to wake up your senses. The Tea Trade Health Research Association conducted research that pointed out that since tea contains polyphenols, it can be instrumental in restricting bacteria growth that causes cavities and other gum issues. But be mindful about having too much tea as it can stain the teeth in the long run.
6. The Good Old Water
Sometimes, water is the best remedy for many health issues, and in order to have good oral health, it can work like magic. When you drink water throughout the day, it helps to keep the mouth moist and even washes away any residual food particles and bacteria. So, make sure to have at least eight glasses per day.
7. Vegetables Are Your New Best Friend
Vegetables have nutrients and also many micronutrients that are great for gum health and tooth enamel formation. Vegetables that are high in Vitamin A do this job very well, including carrots, pumpkins, and broccoli. But our humble sweet potato tops the list as it contains the highest amount as well as beta-carotene.
8. Have a Good Breath with Onions
Yes, yes, we know that onions leave a bad breath, but a quick mouth rinse after that will make the smell go away. Trust us; it will be worth it since onions have antibacterial sulfur compounds like thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which have antimicrobial properties that prevent bad breath and dental issues in the long run.
9. A Fishy Affair
Trout, salmon, sardines, mackerels, and herrings are fatty fishes that have a high dose of Vitamin D and Omega 3. These superfoods enable better calcium absorption, which we all know is the key to maintaining strong teeth. It can also be noted that it is very effective for periodontitis and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
10. Shiitake Mushroom Magic
With research conducted by the Pediatric Caries Research Program – School of Dentistry, it was noted that shitake mushrooms have antimicrobial properties. They have polysaccharides, also called lentinan, which aid in preventing bacteria growth.
Conclusion
As illustrated in this blog, there is not just one sure-shot way to keep the health of the teeth top-notch throughout our lifetime. While food is an important factor, regular dental checkups from reputed clinics like Yudhisther's Dental Care in Paschim Vihar ensure that your teeth and gums remain in pristine condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Which fruit is best for mouth health?
Apples, oranges, and pears are very good for the mouth's health. Fruits that have a crunchy texture are often filled with fibres that allow for the teeth to get rid of any food particles and bacteria. Vitamin C-rich fruits help strengthen the gums and soft tissues.
2 Which drink is the best for the teeth?
Plain water is the best since it does not contain any artificial elements that can erode the tooth enamel. It has fluoride, which strengthens the teeth notably in times of dental development. Besides this, milk is a good option, too, since it contains lots of calcium and other nutrients that make the teeth stronger.
3 Which food is good for tooth pain?
Soft foods like bananas, mashed potatoes, and yoghurt are great to have when experiencing tooth pain. They help to increase the satiety level and also don't require much chewing. Besides this, cold food items like ice cream and cold pudding can relieve and soothe tooth ache.