Which foods are best for oral health?

Busy life schedules did not leave time for people to think of their health. But the covid-19 pandemic that alarmed people on the one hand but it also made them more conscious about their health. They even started playing attention to oral health that often gets neglected with the kind of lifestyle we all are accustomed to. Which foods are good for a healthy oral cavity?

Oral health

Oral cavity is one place that we often ignore in our life until it is too late. The coronavirus pandemic was a time when people had some time to look into their health including oral health. People decided to book dental appointments as soon as the government removed the movement restrictions.

While such preventive oral care does help, there are also certain foods that can either worsen or improve oral conditions. Which are these best foods for the mouth, teeth, and gums?

In a nutshell, sugary, processed, high carbohydrates and acidic foods are bad for teeth and gums. Vitamin C rich foods, foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and fiber are best for dentition and gums.

Foods good for oral cavity health

Cacao nibs

Cacao nibs and chocolates with no added sugar help prevent cavities. They keep the cavity forming bacteria under check and also prevent plaque formation. In 2009, there was a study that showed that the polyphenols present in cocoa, tea, and coffee help prevent cavities and plaques. Another study in 2019 showed that cocoa bean mouth rinse can selectively kill the S.mutans bacteria that causes dental cavities.

Grass fed dairy products

Dairy products such as butter and cheese contain high amounts of vitamin K2. This promotes healthy teeth. Human body lacks the enzyme that converts K1 to K2. Cows and buffalos have the enzymes. But this enzyme requires chlorophyll to get activated. Hence grass fed and not corn or grain fed dairy products have vitamin K2 in them. Moreover, goose liver pâté, beef, natto, eggs, and chicken liver have abundance of K2 and also phosphorus: both give teeth their strength.

Fatty fish

These fish are high in vitamin D. This is essential for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, oily fish contains omega 3 fatty acids that protects the consumer from gum diseases. Trout, tuna, salmon, and mackerel are good in this respect.

Dark green leafy vegetables

These dark green leaves are rich in fiber. This acts as a prebiotic for the good gut bacteria including those in the mouth. They increase growth of nitrite-reducing bacteria. Nitric oxide release increases and heart is also benefitted. These leaves also have a lot of vitamin K that is good for bones and teeth. It has calcium too but it might not be bioavailable due to the oxalate of the green leaves that decrease absorption of calcium.

Read more: 8 soft and nutritious foods best for elderly people with no teeth!

Citrus fruits

These fruits contain a lot of vitamin C that prevent gum bleeding and keeps it healthy. But on the other hand, these fruits and their juices are acidic. And acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel and cause teeth weakening and cavities.