Are you looking for foods that helps whiten your teeth, remove plaque, strengthen your teeth and fight bacteria? Adding the below foods into your diet should be part of your daily routine to promote better oral health. This is along with flossing, brushing and using mouthwash.
Let’s find out what these foods are:
1. Water
Water keeps your gums hydrated and also stimulate saliva, which is considered to be a great defense against bacteria. Also rinsing your mouth with water helps to remove food particles that are trapped in your mouth, causing bad breath.
Always remember to drink at least 6-8 ounce of water each day to keep yourself hydrated and stimulate production of saliva. If you cannot brush yourself after eating, make sure to at least rinse your mouth with water.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli contains iron that forms an acid-resistant coating on the surface of your teeth. This coating reduces the contact between acidic drinks and foods, and the enamel of your teeth.
3. Kiwi
Not getting enough vitamin C can make the collagen network in your gums break down, making them more susceptible to the bacteria that causes periodontal disease. That is why kiwi is considered to be beneficial to your teeth, because it is rich in vitamin C than any other fruit. One large kiwi supplies more than 100% of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
4. Cheese
Studies have shown that cheese consumption, cheddar in particular can increased saliva production and formed protective barrier on tooth enamel. This is because the pH levels in the mouth are at work, a lower pH level put people at risk for cavities and tooth erosion. Higher pH levels on the other hand, signifies a healthier teeth.
Chewing on some cheddar, shows a significant increase in pH levels But this is not true for all dairies such as sugar-free yogurt and milk. For these two, no pH level changes were noted.
5. Celery
Celery can help protect your teeth in many ways. One of this is that the extra chewing produces plenty of saliva, therefore neutralizing the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities. Chewing on naturally abrasive foods, also cleans and massages in between teeth. So always remember to eat a handful of carrots and raw celery at least once a day.
6. Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme derived from the stem, fruit and leaves of pineapple, that helps break down stains on the surface of teeth without harmful, abrasive effects to the enamel. Toothpastes that contain this natural whitening enzyme have better whitening effects compared to toothpaste that contains whitening ingredients like calcium carbonate and perlite.
7. Raisins
Studies have shown that oleanolic acid, a compound present in Thompson seedless raisins, may help prevent the growth of two types of oral bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, that causes periodontal disease and Streptococcus mutans, that causes cavities. It also helps protect teeth from plaque build-up.
8. Green Tea
Green tea contains substances called catechins that helps remove the bacteria in your mouth, that turns sugar into plaque. Catechins also remove the bacteria that cause bad breath. Drink at least 2 to 5 cups of green tea per day.
9. Sesame Seeds
Seeds, help removes plaque and build tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are also high in calcium, which helps preserve the bone around the gums and teeth. Add a tablespoon of sesame seeds on steamed vegetables and salads a few times a week for a gentle teeth cleaning and added amount of calcium.
10. Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a sugar that prevents mouth bacteria from making plaque. Add 4-5 slices of shiitake mushrooms to your stir-fries and soups. Choose fresh shiitakes or even dried ones which can be reconstituted by soaking them in hot water for about 25 minutes before use.
