Nutrition For Healthy Teeth And Gums

By Akshay Sharma April 19, 2017 Health

We often underestimate how important our nutrition is for the healthy teeth and gums. While regular brushing and flossing can keep your teeth in great condition, what you chew also impacts the health of your mouth.

Great oral health isn’t all about keeping away from sugary and acidic foods. If you wish to prevent tooth decay, bone loss and gum disease, eating a diet that promotes healthy teeth and gums is essential. Here are 5 foods that will help you achieve a better smile.

Leafy green vegetables

It’s no secret leafy green vegetables are one of the healthiest foods you can eat, but they’re especially good at maintaining a healthy mouth. Kale, spinach, cabbage and mustard greens are just some of the leafy vegetables that contain calcium, folic acid and B vitamins. These nutrients help with the structure of your teeth, building connective tissue and maintaining immune function.

Fibre-rich fruit and vegetables

Fibre-rich foods like apples, celery and broccoli make us chew well when we eat. By breaking down the food, we promote salvia production which helps neutralise bacteria in our mouths. This will help protect you against enamel decay and cavities, and act as a scrubbing brush for the removal of unsightly stains.

Green tea

Swapping your coffee for green tea will not just give you a whiter smile! Green tea is a power house for polyphenols, which help reduce bacteria in the mouth. It’s also natures fluoride which can help strengthen your teeth and help your body absorb calcium more effectively.

Sardines

We’ve all been told to drink milk for our teeth, but for those who are dairy free sardines are the best. They’re packed with calcium which will help with the structure of your teeth and may help improve your tooth enamel. Not only that, sardines provide a healthy dose of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Cranberries

Cranberries are one of several plant foods that contain the antioxidant, anthocyanin. Anthocyanins have been known to help prevent the attachment and growth of unfriendly bacteria in the mouth and on teeth. There are also studies to show anthocyanins may exhibit anti-cancer benefits protecting you from oral cancer. Cranberry infused mouth wash anyone?

Maintaining good oral hygiene and eating a diet packed with fresh wholefoods will help protect your teeth and gums. Next time you visit your dentist you may receive a compliment rather than a criticism – a great way to end anyone’s fear of the practitioner’s chair!