The first step in preventing common dental disorders like tooth decay and gum disease is to develop excellent dental habits. Aside from visiting the dentist regularly, you should also keep track of the things you consume. After all, you are what you eat, and there is no better place to show that than your teeth.
Below are 8 foods that are good for your dental health and can help you prevent tooth decay.
1. Yogurt
Plain yogurt is high in vitamin D, calcium, and probiotics, which enhance immunity. That is why this dairy product is on the list of tooth decay fighters. Furthermore, yogurt is beneficial for both the mouth and the intestine. Calcium-rich foods are beneficial to your enamel because your teeth are made of calcium.
2. Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are well-known for their excellent flavor and medical properties. It contains vital vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that help to strengthen and improve your immune system. Not only that, but lentinan is abundant in shiitake mushrooms. Lentinan has anti-inflammatory effects and can help you improve your oral health by fighting the bacteria that cause gum disease.
3. Avocados
Most people enjoy avocados and don't require additional motivation to consume more of them. While they are known for being calorie burners, they also contain a lot of potassium, which helps to prevent tooth decay. This mineral is necessary for bone strength and the prevention of bone deterioration. Tooth decay is more common in people who are deficient in potassium.
4. Eggs
Whether you prefer your eggs fried to perfection or over easy, they are high in vitamin D and can help prevent tooth disease. Vitamin D promotes tooth development, and the stronger our teeth are, the less likely they are to decay. Eggs are also healthy for your eyes, so if you like breakfast sandwiches, this is great news.
5. Green tea or black tea
Some dentists advise their patients to drink green or black tea because it contains catechins, another anti-gingivitis compound. Green tea also aids in the reduction of bacteria growth in the mouth and the prevention of oral cancer. But avoid adding sugar and other sweeteners to your favorite tea. Because sugar, sweeteners, and honey can still induce cavities when consumed with tea.
6. Butter
Yes, that does sound a little crazy. Nobody thought butter was healthy until researchers discovered that it contains vitamin B12, a periodontal disease fighter. Vitamin B12 helps to maintain healthy gums and heals oral lesions such as canker sores. You increase your risk of getting gum illnesses like gingivitis or periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if you don't give your body enough vitamin B. Cheese, soy, and rice all also contain B12.
7. Sweet potatoes
Because of all the sugary meals, the holidays are the most difficult time of year to avoid cavities. You can counteract this by putting sweet potatoes in your dish. Vitamin A is abundant in them, which is essential for salivary production. This aids in maintaining the right pH level in your mouth, which is necessary for tooth decay prevention. Sweet potatoes also have more potassium than bananas, which is an interesting fact.
8. Nuts
Omega 3 fatty acids found in pistachios, macadamia nuts, and sesame seeds function as anti-inflammatory agents to help prevent gum disease. They're also high in vital nutrients for proper bodily function. Fatty fish, such as mackerel and salmon, are similarly beneficial to the gums, providing the same gum protection as nuts and seeds.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which helps to rejuvenate dull, dry skin. It also aids wound healing, which benefits your gums. Did you know that strawberries can help you whiten your teeth naturally? But if you want noticeable and long-term teeth whitening, consider a laser teeth whitening procedure.