Best and Worst Foods for Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Best and Worst Foods for Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene plays a big role in the body’s overall health. A healthier mouth can help a person avoid the risk of heart issues such as stroke, heart attack and help control diabetes. Eating habits also contribute to the welfare of the person. Eating habits do not necessarily mean, what is consumed rather it also works upon how it is consumed. A person with a healthier eating habit reduces the chances of developing a bad tooth, which can form the gateway to other diseases entering the body,

Foods That Promote Oral Health
As part of our gum care tips for better oral health, here are some foods your diet must comprise:

  • Omega-3-rich Nuts and Seeds
    Omega 3s enriched sources such as macadamia nuts, pistachios, sesame seeds are essential for a nutrient-dense diet. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory helping gum care.
  • Fatty Fish
    Salmon, herring, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3s and have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and are great for the immune system.
  • Grass-fed Beef
    The collagen in grass-fed beef fights gum disease. Enriched with omega-3s, adding it to your diet is one of the most important gum care tips for better oral health.
  • Chicken
    It contains CoQ10 and collagen, which helps to fight gum diseases. Collagen is found on the chicken skin.
  • Bone broth
    It is a healthy food filled with nutrients to facilitate oral health.
  • Shiitake mushrooms
    The ingredient lentinan in shiitake mushrooms attack gum-disease-causing bacteria. It is anti-inflammatory helping the gums.
  • Broccoli
    Broccoli is enriched with Vitamin C which is an antioxidant and also contains Vitamin B1, magnesium, iron, calcium, niacin, and selenium promoting oral health
  • Red and green bell peppers
    Vitamin C enriched red and green bell peppers fight gum diseases. Red and green bell peppers have more Vitamin C than an orange.
  • Sweet Potatoes
    Sweet potatoes are heavily resourced with many nutrients especially beta carotene content. Beta carotene fights against gum disease by reducing inflammation and provides your body with the elements it needs to create Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes also contain high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Manganese.
  • Green Tea
    Green tea is high in catechins, the key gum disease-fighting nutrient. Consuming more green tea lessens the chance of developing gum disease.
  • Cacao
    Catechins are also found in cacao, which helps stop gum disease. It fights cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. Cacao consists of a compound called CBH, which hardens your enamel.
  • Probiotic Foods
    Kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are probiotics enriched foods that support the good bacteria in the mouth and reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup.

Foods That Deteriorate Oral Health
These foods must be avoided so that your gums stay healthy.

  • Citric Fruits
    Excessive consumption of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons which are highly acidic in nature can damage the enamel of the teeth leading to decay.
  • Coffee and Tea
    Frequent consumption of coffee or tea can stain the teeth as most people sugar for taste which acts as a sticky component leading to gum disease
  • Dried Fruits
    Dried fruits tend to be sticky and affect the teeth as they stick onto the gums and teeth, decaying over time. Rinsing the teeth after consumption and flossing can help avoid the issue.
  • Chips and Snacks
    The crispy snacks or the potato chips are often the unknown culprits that damage the teeth as they are filled with starch and clogs in-between the teeth. A proper floss can flush out the hidden particles
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to dry mouth as it dehydrates the area and reduces saliva. Excessive consumption can also lead to mouth cancer.

These gum care tips will help you when it comes to better oral health as well as a good diet in general.