You probably know the benefits of good oral health. With good oral hygiene, you and your family will have to visit the dentist less because of dental emergencies such as painful toothaches and cavities. Oral health is also good for your overall physical wellbeing, like cardiovascular or brain health.
People with good oral health also smile with more self-confidence. Adults with healthy teeth do better in their relationships and at work, while children with healthy teeth are often better students.
Of course, you also know that you should brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist periodically to maintain oral health. But did you know that the right foods can make your teeth and gums stronger? Likewise, the wrong foods can make worsen oral health.
Here is a list of foods you should eat to enhance your oral health:
1. Vegetables:
The next time you are out grocery shopping, add more greens and vegetables to your list to improve your oral hygiene. If budgeting is a concern, use the latest online flyers for the best deals on healthy foods that are delicious and good for you and your family.
Buy more cabbage, spinach, lettuce, and other leafy greens for a dose of magnesium, vitamins, calcium, and other minerals that strengthen the teeth. Also, add some carrots to the list for snack time. Carrots are crunchy, rich in fibre, and vitamin A. Carrots will improve your teeth and gums!
2. Fruits
Apples are full of fibre and strengthen your teeth and gums. They’re a great snack too. Also, enjoy citrus fruit like oranges for the dose of vitamin C. Follow it up with some fruit rich in fibre to neutralize the citric acid.
3. Dairy
Many people are surprised to learn that dairy is excellent for oral hygiene. Eat cheese, milk, and other dairy products to boost your enamel with calcium and phosphates. If the fat content is a concern, choose items like low-fat milk. Of course, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to remove any residue.
4. Water
Water is one of the best foods for your oral health. Drink water regularly to stimulate saliva production in your mouth. Saliva kills the bacteria on your teeth. Water also washes away leftover food in your mouth or bits of food you can’t reach with your toothbrush. Of course, water also leaves you feeling fuller and less likely to consume unhealthy items.
Avoid Unhealthy Foods
Minimize the consumption of foods rich in sugar like fruit juices, soda, candy, etc. Sugar is bad for your oral hygiene and can result in unsightly and painful cavities. Likewise, avoid sticky food like toffees, potato chips, and lollipops. Such junk food can hide away in your mouth and is hard to remove. Over time, it can damage your teeth.
To avoid staining your teeth, drink less cola, coffee, and red wine. All three foods will turn your pearly whites into unattractive yellows. And if you must drink acidic drinks like cola, rinse your mouth afterwards and avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes, or you’ll rub the acid further into the enamel. With so many health benefits, it’s wise to eat right and shop smart.
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