5 Foods to Help Your Oral Health & Prevent Tooth Decay

While there is no doubt that regular dental check-ups and proper teeth cleaning is essential for oral health, your diet can also play a part in the health of your teeth and gums. The problem with foods that are high in sugar or other ingredients that can wear down your natural enamel is that they increase the chance of developing cavities and other issues over time. Indulging in sweets or sodas once in a while may not do too much harm but a diet that is high in sugar, acid, starch, and alcohol can wear down your teeth and increase your chance of tooth decay and gum problems. With that in mind, how do you ensure that you enjoy optimal oral health? Along with a proper oral care routine, you can start by eating foods that are known to help promote optimal tooth and gum health.

Best Foods for Optimal Oral Health​

You may not think that diet does much for oral health, but many foods offer a number of unique benefits that help you maintain your smile. To ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, try adding these foods to your diet.

1.Cheese
Many dairy products are good for the teeth, including cheese. A number of studies have shown that cheese helps to promote healthier teeth and gums by increasing the pH levels in the mouth and also increases saliva, which further helps to promote a healthier mouth. Cheese is additionally high in protein and calcium, both of which help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, further strengthening their resistance to cavities and other issues.

2.Yoghurt
Yoghurt is another dairy product that is high in protein and calcium, building stronger, healthier teeth. Another benefit of yoghurt is its natural levels of probiotics. These helpful bacteria are great for gums, fighting bad bacteria that can increase the risk of cavities. That’s not to say that all yoghurt is good for your teeth, however. Rather than sugary flavoured yoghurt, choose plain, unsweetened yoghurt that does not contain any harmful ingredients.

3.Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are not only good for your teeth – they are good for the rest of your body, too. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed full of vitamins and minerals. They are high in calcium, helping to build your tooth enamel naturally. They are also high in folic acid – a B vitamin that is excellent for overall health. If you are not wild about greens, you could sneak some in by adding them to salads, adding them to pizza or even adding greens to smoothies mixed in with fruit and yoghurt.

4. High-Fibre Fruit & Vegetables
A number of fruits and vegetables are known for their fibre content. Apples may also contain sugar but their high water and fibre content help to increase saliva, washing away food particles and bacteria. The high fibre content stimulates gums, helping to clean gums until your next brush. Carrots are also high in fibre. Raw carrots eaten at the end of meals will boost saliva, reducing the risk of cavities and also providing plenty of vitamin A.

5.Nuts
Nuts are all high in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy gums and teeth. Whether you prefer almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews or hazelnuts, the chewing needed to break nuts down for digestion helps to boost saliva, cleaning your mouth in the process. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to keep teeth strong while building healthy gum tissue. Nuts also contain calcium and protein, both of which are good for teeth as well as gums.

Try adding these foods to your diet and you will start to notice a difference in your overall health. For further help with oral health, be sure to stick to your regular appointments with a trusted dentist in Durban and surrounds to always enjoy full peace of mind