Did you know that the foods you eat influence your oral health? Sometimes just good hygiene is not enough to prevent ailments in the mouth. Discover the 7 foods that help this task.
Sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum has non-caloric sweeteners that help prevent tooth decay. In fact, the sweet taste and chewing stimulate the flow of saliva, which helps prevent its appearance. Thus, these may contain minerals that enhance the demineralization process of teeth such as calcium, fluoride and phosphate.
In addition, there are studies that report that chewing this type of gum after a meal accelerates the cleaning of food remains and thus reduces the development of cavities in children and adolescents.
Water
If you consume water throughout the day, not only do you ensure optimal hydration, but you also stimulate the production of saliva. In general, drinking 2 liters of water is enough to promote the salivation process.
Whole grains
All foods that require greater effort to chew are recommended for the prevention of oral disorders. Thus, preferring grains and whole grains is an effective strategy in this task.
Dairy products
Both milk and its derivatives are foods that provide calcium. For this reason, its consumption helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, protect them from wear and tear and demineralize them. Of course, the ideal is to eat those that do not contain added sugars.
Fruits and vegetables
Several studies show that eating fruits and vegetables daily significantly reduces the risk of developing oral cancer by 50%. Likewise, the polyphenols (natural compounds with antioxidant effect) that they contain stimulate the elimination mechanisms of inflammatory substances and act on the bacterial plaque.
Nuts and seeds
Almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and seeds such as white sesame or poppy seeds are foods in which calcium stands out. In this sense, if you incorporate them into your diet, you help protect tooth enamel.
Green Tea
Green tea is a drink that contains antioxidants and therefore can contribute to health in a number of ways.
In tea, like vegetables and fruits, there is a considerable contribution of polyphenols, of all the types that exist, green tea has more of these compounds so it has an important antibacterial effect. Therefore, it is an ally to protect the gums and prevent bad breath.
Brushing your teeth after taking it is enough to avoid the appearance of possible stains.
Tips to strengthen your oral health
In addition to following these recommendations, we advise you to avoid those products in which sugar predominates, that you do not neglect your regular oral hygiene and that you do not abuse toxic substances such as alcohol and cigarettes because they are not healthy for your health in general.