We’ve all heard about foods that we should absolutely avoid because they damage our teeth. Sugary foods, acidic foods, foods that stain your teeth, the list of foodstuff to avoid is pretty long! What about foods that can improve our oral health? In this blog, Ipswich Family Dental discusses eight foods that are proven to improve the strength, function and overall condition of your gums and teeth.
Foods to Improve Diet and Oral Health
Research indicates that there is a very direct link between diet and oral health. It is also well established that an individual’s dental health can be greatly improved by adding healthy, beneficial foods to their diet.
1. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Fibre-rich foods like apples, carrots and other vegetables help to remove plaque, act as natural cleaning agents for teeth and stimulate saliva production, which is directly related to oral health. Eating plenty of raw vegetables and fruits should be the first step for anyone linking their diet with oral health.
2. Leafy Greens
A diet for oral health must include a variety of foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and rocket, are full of nutrients that improve gum health and reduce inflammation.
3. Yoghurt
When it comes to the best diet advice for oral health, fermented foods such as yoghurt are at the top of the list. Yoghurt is rich in probiotics that regulate the balance of bacteria in the gut and mouth, which reduces the risk of common oral diseases.
4. Nuts
Nuts such as almonds, cashews and peanuts are excellent sources of calcium, protein and healthy fats, all of which are essential for good diet and oral health. Consuming nuts can also lead to a stronger immune system whilst boosting the body’s ability to strengthen and repair teeth.
5. Green Tea
Known for containing significant volumes of antioxidants, green tea reduces plaque buildup and offers excellent protection against gum diseases. This is a healthy drink that should be part of any good oral health diet.
6. Citrus Fruits
Certain citrus fruits such as grapefruits and oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which is directly related to improving the function of blood vessels and connective tissue. When consumed in moderation, these fruits reduce inflammation and reduce bleeding from the gums.
Note: Grapefruits and grapefruit juice can interfere with certain medications, including statins, blood pressure treatments and more. Speak with your pharmacist or health professional for advice.
7. Water
What’s the easiest way to improve oral health? Dentists agree that proper hydration is a tried-and-tested way to improve all your oral health markers. Among its other myriad benefits, drinking water regularly also flushes food debris from hard to reach spaces, stimulates saliva production and prevents bacterial growth.
8. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon are packed with nutrients such as Vitamin D and Omega 3 fats, so should form part of a good oral health diet. Vitamin D is crucial for the proper functioning of the human body, while Omega 3 fats are known to prevent and even reduce the symptoms of gum disease.
Research Based Diet Advice for Oral Health
Reclaiming your oral health is about more than just brushing twice a day, it’s a combination of quality hygiene practices and overall diet and oral health habits that improve nutrition and immune function. Contact Ipswich Family Dental online for science-based dietary advice for better dental health, or book a checkup with our team today!
