The Dental Health Diet – Foods for Healthy Gums

Keep Your Mouth Healthy with These Foods

Hello Lebanon residents! As you know, Dr. Cox and Advanced Dental are committed to helping you maintain the best oral health and we’ve got some tips for you. It is common to hear about what not to eat, but today we are going to tell you about a few foods that will keep your mouth in top shape and how they do it.

Fruits and Vegetables are Your Teeth’s Best Friends

We’ve all heard about the dangers of plaque, bacteria, cavities, and stains, but did you know that some of our favorite fruit and veggie friends can help fight them off?

Celery, carrots, and apples possess the power to remove plaque and stains before they get a hold on your teeth and become nuisances. Eat plenty of those and you’ll be ahead of the dental game. And you probably never imagined this: studies suggest pomegranate may increase oral antioxidant activity and get rid of bacteria that lead to cavities. Dr. Cox reminds that we should consume it in moderation because of its sugar content, but a little pomegranate here and there just might be the perfect addition to your oral health diet. Finally, spinach acts as your teeth’s own personal bodyguard, leaving a barrier-like film that, despite being invisible, protects your teeth from stains. Next time you plan on drinking coffee, wine or any other tooth-staining beverage, bulk up your defenses beforehand with a nice salad.

Dairy Products

Fresh produce isn’t the only way to pump up your diet with oral health game-changers. Yogurt and cheese are also extremely useful in fighting cavities, killing bacteria, and keeping mouth healthy and clean. Yogurt’s beneficial bacteria make it great for keeping bad breath at bay, and if you eat it enough, you are less likely to develop problems with periodontal gum disease and tooth loss. Cheese has been shown to help fight cavities by increasing saliva production and its calcium, phosphorus, and protein are powerful weapons against plaque.

If you have questions about any of these foods, or anything else relating to dental health, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Cox in Lebanon and schedule an appointment with Advanced Dental today!

Sources

http://www.allure.com/magazine/2009/07/pomegranate_benefit

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2010/01/get-gorgeous-teeth-the-natural.html#ixzz1CpvJZKru

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2008/10/your-pearly-whites-why-cheese.html#ixzz1CpzWizqf

http://www.allure.com/magazine/2007/08/A_New_Cavity_Fighter