Do you know that brushing and flossing aren’t the only ways to protect your oral health? Many recent studies have proven that there are functional foods that can not only help your body stay safe and sound but improve your oral health as well. If you want to have a brilliant smile, you should include these foods and beverages in your diet. At Caring Dental of Spotswood, we want to keep your smile healthy. The following foods and beverage can help fight against bacteria and plaque buildup.
Green and Black Tea
Both green and black tea have a potent compound called polyphenols, which can significantly slow down the growth and spread of bacteria that causes cavities and other oral diseases. Rinsing your mouth with tea can really help you in fighting plaque buildup, so if you have this problem, you should give it a try.
Cranberry
Just like the tea, cranberry is rich in polyphenol too. This substance can significantly lower the risk of teeth problems by keeping them protected from plaque sticking to them. But please, be careful, as this fruit is sour, many manufacturers add sugar to products with cranberry, and you may easily get the opposite result.
Vitamin-enriched foods
Did your mother tell you that vitamins are good for you? She was right! Your teeth are not an exception. There is a wide range of products that contain calcium and phosphorous — irreplaceable assistants in keeping your teeth enamel strong and healthy. However, beware of the foods with high levels of acid, as they do the opposite and may damage your teeth.
Raisins
Believe it or not, raisins can aid in your fight with plaque. Raisins don’t contain sucrose, the type of sugar that can stick to your teeth and produce plaque. Also, they’re rich in phytochemicals, which can kill various bacteria that cause oral problems like plaque.
All the Crunchy Foods
Crunchy fruits and vegetables are your friends. Eat fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, pears, apples, and carrots. Chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables cleans the chewing surfaces of your teeth and stimulates saliva production.
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Chewing gum can help your teeth, depending on the type of gum you chew. Sugar-free chewing gum increases your saliva production, which can help you clear the harmful bacteria away.
Teeth are very important, and we should always make healthy choice to take care of them. Practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Has it been more than six months since your last dental cleaning and exam? If you live in Spotswood, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas, call our office to schedule your appointment.
