It is common knowledge that excessive consumption of sugary foods can lead to the development of tooth decay and cavities. However, there are also certain foods that can actually help to improve the condition of your teeth and gums. More specifically, a large number of fruits and vegetables have been shown to promote dental health. Some improve the strength of your teeth, while others can even reduce your likelihood of developing a range of different oral cancers. Read on to discover why eleven particular fruits and vegetables can boost your oral health in some surprising and fascinating ways.
1) Eat Raisins For Oral Health:
Raisins are a source of five powerful phytochemicals that have been proven to prevent tooth decay in lab conditions. This health benefit results from two distinct actions. Firstly, these phytochemicals stop bacteria from sticking to your teeth, thereby reducing your likelihood of developing cavities. Secondly, any bacteria that stick to your teeth are effectively inhibited, as the phytochemicals stop them from replicating.
2) Eat Kale For Oral Health:
Just one serving of Kale contains a staggering 192% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, and this has important ramifications for your oral health. Vitamin A is required for the synthesis of a substance called dentin, which is vital for strong and durable teeth. As a bonus, kale is a source of both potassium and calcium, which also contribute to promoting stronger teeth.
3) Eat Carrots For Oral Health:
There are a few different reasons why carrots are an invaluable part of your arsenal if you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Firstly, there is some research supporting the claim that carrots contain certain minerals that can fight against potentially dangerous bacteria in your mouth. This benefit will make you less likely to suffer from oral infections, gum disease, and damaged teeth. Secondly, chewing carrots encourages your mouth to produce larger amounts of saliva, and saliva plays an important role in preventing tooth staining. Finally, crunching on raw carrots partly cleans your teeth, removing the sort of food residue that can eventually lead to decay.
4) Eat Broccoli For Oral Health:
Although you may not like the taste of broccoli, it is worth including more of it in your diet in order to enjoy a unique health benefit that it can provide. Broccoli promotes the formation of an acid-resistant film on your teeth, helping to guard against potential corrosion.
5) Eat Avocados For Oral Health:
Avocados are rich in folate, with one avocado containing as much as 30% of your recommended daily intake. This property makes them very effective at boosting oral health. Research on the health benefits of high folate consumption has revealed that this nutrient reduces your risk of developing gum disease and gingivitis.
6) Eat Celery For Oral Health:
Celery is another good addition to your diet if you want to increase saliva production and help your mouth to defeat cavity-causing bacteria. Further, eating celery has a massaging effect on your gums, helping to clean between the teeth (which many people ignore by choosing not to floss).
7) Eat Lemons For Oral Health:
Lemon juice has a cosmetic benefit for your dental health, as it helps to whiten your teeth. More importantly, lemons contain limonins, which persist in the body for over 24 hours and help to prevent oral cancers (as well as colorectal and breast cancers).
8) Eat Pineapples For Oral Health:
Like carrots, pineapples boost your saliva production, helping to prevent bacteria from damaging your teeth. In addition, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, and studies show that vitamin C discourages the formation of plaque as well as making you less likely to develop gum disease.
9) Eat Onion For Oral Health:
Interesting new research on diet and oral health shows that chewing on raw onion can destroy some of the unwanted bacteria that are capable of leading to severe tooth decay. However, raw onion is an acquired taste, so you may prefer to opt for some of the other foods on this list!
10) Eat Strawberries For Oral Health:
The large seeds found in strawberries means that eating them can help to scrub debris and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. In addition, these fruits are another excellent source of vitamin C, promoting gum health and reducing your risk of gingivitis.
11) Eat Kiwi Fruits For Oral Health:
Finally, kiwi fruits contain a record amount of vitamin C, so they are an ideal snack if you want to protect your gums from potential tenderness and infections.
If you regularly add more of all of the above fruits and vegetables to your diet, you will be helping to promote your dental health and will be actively reducing your likelihood of developing problematic tooth decay or infections. In spite of this, however, you still need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. In addition, you should floss your teeth each time you brush, as you only clean three surfaces of your teeth if you restrict your routine to brushing.
