The Christmas period is over and everything is slowly returning to normal. Now is a good time to focus on your resolutions for the new year. Instead of general resolutions such as losing weight or becoming healthier, resolve to support your oral health by brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and eating food that is good for your teeth, gums and bones. When you hear about eating or drinking and your dental health, the articles usually focus on what you should not eat. So let us talk about some foods that are good for your mouth.
A rainbow of fruit and vegetables
Foods containing polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds found in natural plant food sources that have antioxidant properties. According to a 2009 article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the data examined showed that polyphenols can help prevent oral diseases as well as infectious and degenerative ones. Studies suggest there are around 8,000 identified polyphenols, found in foods such as green and black tea, red wine, coffee, plums, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, elderberries and dark chocolate, to name just a few.
High-fibre foods. These increase saliva production, which in turn helps neutralise the bacteria that cause decay. Among the highest-fibre foods are beans, peas, lentils, edamame, pears, artichokes, broccoli, avocados and linseed, but there are many more for every taste.
Dairy or foods naturally high in calcium. If you eat dairy, foods such as milk, cheese and natural yoghurt contain calcium and phosphates that can remineralise the enamel. Other excellent sources of calcium are chia seeds, sardines, cabbage greens, spinach, kale, almonds and tofu.
Crunch and mushrooms
Crunchy vegetables. Raw, crunchy foods such as carrots, apples and celery are nature’s scrubbers for the mouth. Chewing them not only stimulates saliva flow but also creates a scrubbing effect that helps remove plaque from the exposed surfaces of the teeth. They do not replace regular brushing and flossing, but they are a good choice when you have no brush to hand.
Shiitake mushrooms. Some studies suggest that shiitake mushrooms, and in particular their natural sugar called lentinan, can prevent plaque forming from oral bacteria and can remineralise the teeth. Lentinan has also been studied in Japan for its anti-cancer properties.
Even though no food can replace regular professional cleaning and examination, these suggestions can help prevent decay and plaque between visits and improve your general health. That is a resolution worth keeping.
