Dental Health Last Food Group
The last food group is one that isn’t often associated with oral health. Broccoli, kiwis, sweet potato, garlic, onions, whole grains, and shiitake mushrooms all contain nutrients and vitamins necessary for strong teeth and healthy gums.
Kiwis, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes
Broccoli is not only high in Vitamin C (benefits discussed below) and Vitamin K which promotes good bone density and natural blood clotting, but it also cleans your teeth as you eat it. Tell your kids to imagine themselves as tree eating dinosaurs and those treetops will have ongoing benefits as they chomp down broccoli forests.
Kiwis are also Vitamin C powerhouses. Your bodies immune system depends on it to produce policeman like blood cells that patrol you body, arresting foreign micro-organisms that could harm you. The resistance to infection that these cells provide the body also prevent tooth decay and oral bacteria.
Sweet potatoes are vitamin A rich. This helps maintain the soft tissue and mucous membranes of your gums. As well, it helps the body absorb keratin protein, which promotes the formation of tooth enamel.
Garlic, Onions, Shitake Mushrooms
Garlic & Onions are often paired together for flavor, but they are also a good pairing for their powerful antimicrobial qualities. These two power foods together are said to fight tooth decay and gum disease by killing off or at least reducing the number of dangerous bacteria in your mouth. Shitake mushrooms also contain similar antimicrobial properties, including the carbohydrate lentinan known to slow bacterial growth in your mouth.
Whole Grains
Although bread was listed as one of the eight worst foods for your teeth, whole grain bread is an exception. Complex carbohydrates found in whole grain bread, pasta, rice, and oatmeal (to name a few) make them a better choice for your mouth as they’re less of a catalyst for bacterial growth. Whole grains also contain other nutrients that fuel your body and promote oral health.
We Care About Your Dental Health and You.
It’s been a long winter especially because the Pandemic has kept many isolated. If you have used some of your extra time to focus on your diet and your family’s health than we hope the last few articles have helped.
Drinking water with fluoride and choosing foods from the current Canadian Food Guide can contribute to good overall health and in turn good oral health. At Erbsville Dental we care about our patient’s oral health but also how you’re doing overall. Together we’ll get through these challenging times. If you need dental work done, don’t hesitate. Our clinic has made efforts to keep you safe while you visit. Because of these changes you can currently get regular dental work done, including checkups, cleanings, and other normal dental procedures. Call today for an appointment or if you have any questions. Erbsville Dental Waterloo is Caring, Friendly, and Experienced.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
