Healthy food for teeth and gums is more than a fleeting fad. If you want to maintain good oral health, it’s more important than ever to find foods and drinks that promote good oral health. Most people go on a teeth-whitening regimen after they’ve been exposed to tobacco smoke for many years. There are many other causes of tooth decay and gum disease, too. Fortunately, there are many healthy food for teeth and gums that can help protect your mouth and teeth longer term.
Apples: Everyone loves apples! Who doesn’t like the taste of fresh, sweet, tart apple juice? Because of their high level of natural sugar (especially in the peel), apples contain a lot of naturally occurring sugar and can contribute to tooth decay if they’re not properly soaked before using them as a sweetener in a diet plan. However, apples are very beneficial in other ways and should be included in nearly every diet.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! The acai berry from Brazil is another healthy food for teeth and gums. Acai berry fruit contains a vast amount of vitamin A and antioxidants that naturally combat free radicals that can damage your body. They also provide your body with plenty of vitamin C, another antioxidant that helps ward off gum disease and cavities. In fact, the berry is so rich in these vitamins that it has become a popular ingredient in many over the counter toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Eggs: Few things can give you a full night’s sleep and pack on the pounds and make you feel like a million bucks faster than an egg. But one thing that can help your waistline is oatmeal. Eating several small eggs each day will give you lots of vitamins A, D, and E as well as the minerals and protein needed to stay healthy and strong. Since eating eggs can also help you lose weight, consider scrambling for the yolks early in the morning. Scrambling or grilling the yolks also makes a healthy food for teeth and gums that you won’t get any snack for.
Sesame Seeds: Bite into some sesame seeds to get your daily dose of antioxidants and vitamin E. Like other natural antioxidants found in nature, sesame seeds help ward off free radicals and other toxins in your system that can lead to dangerous inflammation and tooth decay. Since tooth enamel becomes thinner as we age, eating a handful of sesame seeds every other day will keep your smile looking bright even as you age. Sesame seeds are also packed with protein which is essential for building strong tooth enamel. If you find it difficult to digest whole gels, nibble on a few sesame seeds instead to improve your digestion.
Cheese and Eggs: Calcium and phosphorus are also important nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. Your body uses calcium for strong bones and teeth while phosphorus is used to build muscle and bone tissue. To make sure you get all the calcium your body needs, eat several small-sized servings of calcium-rich dairy products like calcium-fortified yogurt or milk. You may also try taking calcium supplements. If you prefer eating hard cheese, grate it onto a piece of crackers so you can eat it raw. Hard cheeses contain a higher amount of calcium than soft cheeses, so they’re a better choice for those watching their cholesterol levels.
Water: Drinking plenty of water is not only good for your mouth, but it’s also good for your entire body. Water helps flush out toxins through urine and flushes out bacteria and plaque buildup in your teeth and gums. Water should be included in your healthy drink list every day and you should aim for at least eight glasses a day. Not only does water help you to feel full, it can also prevent tooth decay and other diseases because it contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.
Saliva: In addition to making your mouth feel full, saliva also plays an important role in removing harmful bacteria and particles that build up around your teeth. Unfortunately, most people produce less saliva than they need, which leads to problems such as cavities. A good oral hygiene regimen will consist of brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. When brushing, brush right before you go to bed to remove any food lodged in between your teeth. Floss daily to help remove plaque buildup and gingivitis. Lastly, use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel.
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