With overwhelming evidence that oral health and total health are connected – the mouth is part of the systemic whole – it’s important to understand how food affects your teeth & gums. Food is not just sustenance, not just fuel and certainly not just a diversion. Food nurtures and heals, so the type of food you eat affects your health and well-being.
Fill your diet with fresh produce, nuts and seeds, legumes, lean meats and whole grains. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, refined flour and partially hydrogenated oils. Here is a list of 10 foods that will benefit not only your mouth, but the rest of you as well:
Kiwi. Most fruits contain Vitamin C, which is vital for the health of your gum tissue.
Cheese. High in phosphate and calcium, cheese helps balance the pH in the mouth, killing bacteria and preserving tooth enamel, while preventing cavities and gum disease.
Celery. Chewing celery produces saliva, neutralizing the bacteria that causes cavities.
Green tea. Green tea contains catechins that kill the bacteria leading to plaque while preventing gum disease and cavities, while preventing bad breath.
Sesame seeds. High in calcium, these seeds help slough off plaque while helping build tooth enamel.
Onions. Onions have powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds, making them terrific for oral health.
Shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms contain lentinan, a natural plaque preventer.
Raisins. Sweet and tasty, raisins contain phytochemicals that prevents cavities and gum disease.
Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have high amounts of Vitamin A, which is essential for tooth enamel formation and promotes healing of gum tissue.
Water. Water is effective at swishing away stuck particles and residue from teeth while stimulating saliva production.
For more information about teeth-friendly foods, call Dr. Schneider in Mooresville, NC at 704-660-1802 or visit www.schneidersmiles.com.
Dr. Schneider proudly serve patients from Mooresville and all surrounding areas.