Oral hygiene is something that you might not think about, but you practice it every day by brushing your teeth frequently and flossing (hopefully) every once in a while. You probably assume that brushing, flossing, and occasionally swishing with mouthwash is enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy.
It turns out that there is so much more you could be doing to promote your oral health. A top
Clinton dentist says that brushing doesn’t cut it if you want to keep your chompers as strong as possible. This dentist says that you could be doing so much more by focusing on your diet.
Food doesn’t just affect our weight and body type. It plays a role in everything from cardiovascular health to luminescent skin – and yes, it also factors into our oral health. Here are a few recommendations from a dentist in Clinton, Maryland about what foods you should be consuming to promote oral health.
Leafy Greens
Kale, spinach, and chard are good for just about every aspect of health; oral health is no exception. Leafy greens contain a ton of vitamin C without all of the sugar that comes with vitamin-C rich fruits like oranges and grapefruit. Vitamin C has been proven to boost red blood cell production which reduces inflammation and fights disease (including gum disease).
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain something called lentinan, which fights plaque-building material from building in the mouth. You can respond to the growth of plaque by brushing harder and flossing regularly, but the best way to actually prevent it is by eating lentinan-rich foods. Maybe you hate all types of mushrooms, but there are so many ways to prepare them that you are bound to like.
Dairy Products
A lot of people associate drinking milk with strong bones and healthy teeth. This is because milk (and all dairy products) contain a ton of calcium that helps to strengthen bones, teeth, and gums. But that’s not all. Yogurt, cheese, and milk contain a protein called casein that helps to neutralize acids found throughout the mouth. These acids wear on the teeth and gums over time, but luckily dairy products can help.
Onions
Similar to dairy products, onions can help neutralize the harmful bacteria found in the mouth. The microbial properties of onions can help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and cavities. Adding onions to your daily diet is simple. You can use them as a sandwich topper, dice them up for salads, or cook them into a stir fry.
Celery
Crunchy foods like celery are great for keeping your mouth healthy. The more you chew, the more saliva is produced. Saliva production is essential to good oral health since it helps to flush out food particles and harmful bacteria. You might find the stringy hard bits of celery annoying, but it’s actually beneficial to get these stuck between the crevices of your teeth. Eat celery sticks with peanut butter or ranch as your afternoon snack (carrots are also a great choice).
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