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For whatever reasons, we don't attach as much importance to oral health as we should. This leads to much complication and problems later in life. This is actually surprising as taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums is quite simple, yet we falter somewhere. A monthly visit to the dentist and consumption of some super foods should keep your teeth kicking and happy. To make dental care even simpler for you, here are a list of foods that you must include in your diet to keep your teeth strong, gums healthy and mouth feeling and looking good.

Cheese

There are some foods that are made more infamous than they deserve. Cheese is definitely one of those. Though they have been made out to be these huge calorie gainers, they are actually a brilliant source of calcium, phosphorous and protein for the human body. These elements also make them a great food for oral health.

When we consume a lot of sugary and sticky food (read lollipops, candies, cookies, cakes, pies, lemons,) the minerals of our teeth eroded away. The protective enamel on the teeth gets damaged, and the teeth become prone to many health hazards. It is impertinent that the minerals are returned to the teeth. Cheese is one of those foods that help to redeposit the tooth enamel and protect your teeth. Besides cheese and other milk products also kill the bacteria in the mouth and thus prevents cavities and gum diseases.

Water

This magical component makes it to every possible health list. Drinking lots of water is a great way to prevent bacteria formation in the mouth and keep it hydrated. Water stimulates saliva formation that acts like a mouthwash and does not let particles deposit in the gaps of the teeth. The water thus washes away food residue, acids and sometimes even bacteria, and keeps your mouth clean and protected. .

Apples

We have all heard how an apple a day keeps the doctor away, well it turns out that's the case with dentists too. Apples ward off a host of dental disorders and often serve as mini toothbrushes to your teeth. Fiber-rich apples are slightly acidic in nature and act as mild astringents on your teeth. When had without peeling off the skin, apples actually cleanse and brighten your teeth.

Eating crunchy foods like apples, carrots and celery are also helpful as they help scrub away the stubborn stains over time, gives exercise to your teeth and gums, keeps you fuller, makes you snack less and thus gives the much needed rest and rejuvenation time to your mouth and teeth.

However, it must be remembered that nothing of too much is good, and this applies to apples too. Though beneficial, it can't be denied that apples have sugar and acid content in them. So eat them wisely and drink lots of water after consuming an apple.

Tea

Drinking sweetened beverages like coffee, juices and carbonated drinks throughout the day is disastrous for your oral health. Constant exposure to sugar leads to acid and plaque formation and accumulation, which ultimately causes tooth decay.

In such circumstances, unsweetened tea can serve as a boon for your teeth. Black tea contains polyphenols which curb the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. It also helps in bad breath.

Green tea contains catechins that kill bacteria that causes plaque and thus limits cavities and gum diseases.

The expensive and rare yellow tea is also good for dental health, as it is an excellent source of antioxidants and fluoride. Yellow tea prevents tooth decay and strengthens the bones.

Oolong tea is also beneficial for oral health as it produces bacteria that prevents tooth decay and oral cancers.

Shiitake Mushrooms

What makes Shiitake mushrooms so good for dental health is the presence of a natural sugar called lentinan. This prevents mouth bacteria from forming plaque. The shiitake mushrooms kill the cavity causing bacteria, while leaving the good bacteria unaffected. These mushrooms also help to prevent gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum inflammation typically characterized by redness, swelling, bleeding and build-up of bacterial biofilm. Shiitake mushrooms fight against biofilm and keep your mouth healthy.

Onions

These delicious, tear inducing vegetables are packed with benefits for the teeth. Recent research at a Korean University indicates that onions can eradicate four strains of bacteria that causes cavities and periodontal disease. They contain powerful antimicrobial sulfur compounds that are great for oral health. Onions are most beneficial when eaten fresh and raw.

Nuts

Nuts contain micro-nutrients like phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium. All of these contribute towards stronger teeth and tooth remineralization.

Cashew nuts are especially beneficial for the teeth as cashew nut shell oil contains microbe-fighting properties that attack and kill bacteria that causes tooth decay. These nuts also help to keep your teeth clean and so a great way to maintain dental hygiene when a toothbrush is not around.

Sesame Seeds

Like different varieties of nuts, sesame seeds too are high in calcium which makes them great for teeth. These seeds protect the bone around the teeth and gums and wards off plaque and strengthens the tooth enamel.

To Conclude,

We know now what foods can give us gleaming and healthy pearlies. In fact healthy teeth can reap a lot of benefits. From impressing on your first date with a gorgeous laugh to clinching the interview with a confident smile, your teeth can do it all. Besides, your dental health is generally an indicator of your overall bodily health as well. Research has concluded that bad oral health usually has strong connections with high blood sugar, heart diseases, clogged arteries and difficult pregnancy.

With a little care teeth and gums can stay in a good condition. From the right foods as listed above to the right toothbrush and toothpaste, (electric or disposable) find out all you need to know about oral care. Opt for monthly dentist check-ups and find a dentist you will be comfortable with. And don't forget the holy routine of brushing and flossing daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

About Author

Jordan Colton is Marketing Manager at Arizona Periodontal Group LLC, located in Phoenix. He looks after the PR and marketing functions across all media channels and markets. He has vast experience in developing new and effective marketing strategies and managing marketing campaigns across multiple channels.