We are always being told about what types of food we shouldn’t eat too much of because of the damage that sugar does to our teeth. We should avoid anything that results in sugar lingering in our mouths. Regular brushing and flossing can help by getting rid of the food particles that contain sugar. But are there any foods that are actually good for our teeth? Yes, there is new evidence to suggest that some food promotes oral health.
Here are some teeth-friendly foods:
Tea
Polyphenols are compounds found in both black and green teas. They also slow the growth of harmful bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Research has shown that people who rinsed their mouths with black tea for one minute, 10 times a day, had less plaque on their teeth than people who rinsed their mouths with water. This is because tea reduces the ability of some bacteria joining together with other bacteria to cause even more damage. Black tea is also useful in fighting bad breath.
Raisins
Because they are sweet, you’d think they would be bad for your teeth. But raisins don’t contain sucrose, or table sugar. Raisins are also a source of phytochemicals, which help to kill plaque bacteria. They are also known to affect the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease.
Cheese
Teens who ate cheddar cheese had lower acidic levels than those who ate sugar-free yoghurt or drank milk. When they rinsed their mouths out with water after eating the cheese, the study showed that acid levels had dropped significantly at different time intervals. There was no drop in the yoghurt or milk experiments. Cheese is a great neutralizer of plaque acid. For General dentistry Leicester, visit http://www.sjrdental.co.uk/
Crunchy foods
It seems that crunching is an effective way to disturb plaque and cleanse the mouth. Breaking down foods such as apples and carrots takes some work and it seems that it’s worth the effort. That might explain why your mouth always feels cleaner and fresher after just finishing an apple.
Milk
Drinking a glass of milk can lower acidity levels in the mouth than drinking water. Milk is effective in neutralizing some of the acids produced by plaque. So it might be wise to drink a glass of milk after you’ve just had a sweet dessert.
Foods rich in vitamins
As milk and cheese are good for teeth, it makes sense that any food containing calcium like cheese and leafy greens. This also includes foods high in phosphorous such as eggs, fish and meat which can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy. Calcium is great for bone health too which includes your jaw.
Cranberries
Just like tea, Cranberries contain polyphenols which help stop plaque from sticking to teeth, therefore decreasing the risk of cavities. They are best in their natural form though and be aware that due to the tartness of the fruit, many products that contain cranberry will have added sugar. This will, of course, negatively affect any potential benefits for teeth.
