We all know the basics of oral hygiene - brush, toothpick and regular check-ups at the dentist. But did you know that proper nutrition also helps to avoid tooth decay, plaque and gum diseases?
Changes in the mouth begin to occur from the moment when food enters it, so it is very important that the teeth and gums are contacted as rarely as possible with products that start the processes of putrefaction, plaque formation, enamel destruction and provoking gum disease. Remembering this, let's look at five products that help keep teeth white, and gums beautiful and healthy.
Crispy fruit and vegetables
Yes, there is truth in the old saying "an apple a day, and the doctor does not need".In this particular case, there is no need for a dentist. Often called "natural toothbrush", crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots, clean the teeth, stimulate the gums and increase the flow of saliva. All this helps to reduce the formation of plaque and the destruction of tooth enamel.
But that's not all: carrots, in particular, have a high content of vitamin A, necessary for enamel health. A celery, with its tasty( okay, maybe not very tasty) fibrous fibers acts like a natural dental floss - removes tartar and helps to freshen your breath.
Ginger
Endowed with antibacterial properties, ginger treats minor gum infections and reduces swelling and redness, often associated with toothache. Moreover, ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to prevent periodontal disease and maintaining the health of oral tissues.
But on this, its health benefits do not end - studies have shown that the root of ginger has the same properties as antibiotics. So, you can use it not only for flavoring food, but also for fighting pathogenic microorganisms.
Broccoli
Of course, this list would not be complete without the old kind green vegetable that children sometimes so hate. This broccoli, which when it comes to teeth, becomes a real superfood.
A large amount of fiber in broccoli not only reduces inflammation in the mouth, but also( when eaten raw) serves to clean and polish the teeth themselves. Recent studies even show that broccoli does create a protective acid-resistant barrier on the teeth, helping to fight their decay and destruction.
Broccoli is very rich in vitamin A, which is involved in the formation of tooth enamel. So, this vegetable not only cleans the teeth and massages the gums, but also strengthens the enamel.
Salmon
So far we have considered food that affects the teeth and gums right and instantly, but there are many nutrient-rich foods that keep them healthy for a long time. Salmon is one of them.
Vitamin D in fish of the salmon family helps the body absorb and use calcium - an important element for oral hygiene, which strengthens teeth and gums. But that's not all: vitamin D, as it turned out, reduces the risk of caries by one and a half times.
There is another good news for your gums. It was found that foods high in omega-3 fat, such as salmon, reduce the risk of periodontitis that affects not only the gums, but also the bones supporting the teeth. I bet you did not expect this.
Although the onion is not very good for breathing, it boasts the presence of powerful antimicrobial sulfur compounds, which significantly reduce the level of bacteria in the oral cavity. Recent studies even show that onions, especially in raw form, can completely eradicate the four major strains of bacteria that most often cause caries and gum disease.
Free from pigments that can affect the color of the teeth, the onion contains all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a healthy smile. A large dose of vitamin C helps to preserve the mineral composition of teeth, and vitamin B6 removes inflammation. In onions, there is also manganese, which keeps calcium where it is supposed to be - in bones and teeth.
Tip: To solve the problem with breathing, chop a little parsley or mint, or just take the use of onions as another reason to brush your teeth.