Healthy Foods for a Healthy Mouth

They always say that you are what you eat! In today’s health conscious society, people concentrate on healthy foods to help them lose weight. But shouldn’t we also concentrate on the health of our teeth as well?

I’m Dr. James Stewart, and I would like to show you some healthy foods that promote good oral health.

Dairy – This includes cheese, milk, and plain yogurt. Most dairy products are low in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphate. Cheese helps balance the pH level in your mouth and also preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel. Dairy products add minerals to your teeth — minerals stripped away by starches, sugars, and other foods. Keep in mind, demineralization is the precursor to tooth decay.

Celery – Celery protects your teeth by increased chewing and chomping. The chewing causes saliva production which neutralizes  bacteria that cause cavities. The chomping on celery massages the gums and cleans between the teeth.

Kiwis – Kiwis contain more vitamin C than any other fruit. When you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to bacteria.

Sesame Seeds – Seeds slough off plaque and help build tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are also high in calcium, which is good for the bone around your teeth and gums.

Garlic – Garlic has anti-microbial qualities. It can reduce the risk of certain oral infections. It also reduces the plaque formation and tooth decay. People have seen improvement of a tooth infection after consuming several cloves of garlic daily.

Onions – Onions contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds that kill cavity causing bacteria.  The downside of eating onions is it is not conducive to sweet smelling breath.

Parsley – Parsley will help sweeten up that onion or garlic breath! These herbs contain volatile substances that travel through your blood stream to your lungs, where the odor is released as you exhale.

Green and black teasBoth teas contain polyphenols that interact with plaque bacteria. The tea suppresses or kills the bacteria, and preventing them from producing the high levels of acid. Depending on the water you use, a cup of tea can also provide your mouth with fluoride.

While you are the store buying your health conscious foods, add the above foods in your basket as well.  If you are concerned with the health of your teeth, call my Livonia dental office at (734)425-4400 to schedule a dental check up.