According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one of the first areas to decline when our diet is less than ideal is our oral health. When it comes to taking good care of our gums and teeth, it’s really important that we watch what we eat. Make sure to consume foods that have powerful cleansing properties that will help us build healthier teeth and gums, as well as prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.
Check out below the best foods for maintaining oral health.
Green And Black Tea
These teas are rich in polyphenols that interact with the bacteria that cause plaque by killing or suppressing them. Have a cup of green or black tea during or after a meal in order to suppress the presence of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Carrot Sticks
Munching on this bright veggie is really good for our teeth. Chewing some carrot sticks help to massage our gums. It is loaded with plaque-attacking keratin, as well as Vitamin A, which is important for strengthening delicate tooth enamel.
Fish
Adding calcium-rich foods in our diet is extremely important as these foods can protect our teeth and gums from diseases. Unfortunately, if our body is deficient in vitamin D, it will not be able to fully absorb all the calcium present in the foods we eat. Fatty fish (such a salmon) is a fantastic source of vitamin D. Consuming this kind of fish can allow our teeth and gums to get the full disease-fighting benefits of calcium from the foods we eat.
Celery
Eating celery is like brushing our teeth as it scrapes food particles and bacteria away from our teeth. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, two antioxidants that give the health of our gums a boost.
Oranges
Oranges contain vitamin C that helps in strengthening connective tissues and blood vessels in our gum. This helps in decreasing inflammation thus slowing down the progression of gum diseases.
We can enjoy a fruit bowl of grapefruits, oranges, and other regular citrus fruits. After eating citrus fruits, just wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing the teeth.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Kale and spinach are some of the best leafy greens that can promote oral health. They are high in calcium and folic acid which are both important in fighting gum diseases and maintaining a healthy gum. Simply include these leafy greens in salads or add them to a smoothie.
