Time to learn about food for healthy gums and teeth. Many of us concern ourselves with different types of diets. For the most part it’s because we want to achieve a certain body type. Other times it’s due to health reasons. For example, you may suffer from Celiac Disease and need to cut down on gluten. Generally, most diets cut down on carbs and gluten because of how they affect our bodies.
But we never think about how the foods we eat, and drink affect our teeth. Of course, we all know that candy and sugary drinks affect our teeth. But why and how do they affect our teeth?
Oral Bacteria Affects Gums and Teeth
People can have as many as 700 different types of bacteria in their mouth. However, most people only have 34-72. Some bacteria are good, what we call probiotics, while others are pretty neutral. However, the third type of bacteria are the ones that cause problems.
We may not think about it, but bacteria also need food to produce energy and live. The bad bacterium is attracted to the sugar that is left over in your mouth after you eat sugary foods or drink sugary beverages. Then, they turn that sugar into acid which is what leads to tooth decay.
Starchy foods that get stuck in your teeth also help feed the bacteria and leads to decay. Also, having a dry mouth helps the bacteria thrive. Foods that lead to a dry mouth are no good.
These are some foods and drinks that feed bad bacteria in your mouth:
- Cookies.
- Cakes.
- Soft Drinks.
- Energy drinks.
- Candy.
- Fruit drinks.
- Alcohol.
- Bread.
- Pasta.
- Potato chips.
Fruits and Veggies for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Eating fruits and veggies is definitely good. However, fruits should be an alternative to candies and other sweets. While fruits do have vitamins and fiber, they also contain fructose (sugar) and some contain acid (citrus fruits) that can erode the enamel.
According to the ADA, foods with fiber help keep your teeth and gums clean. Also, fruits and veggies help you produce saliva. It’s important to produce enough saliva so that you wash away food that would otherwise be stuck in your teeth. Further, it prevents a dry mouth and helps reduce the effects of acids attacking your teeth.
Here are some fruits and veggies to eat for healthy gums and teeth:
- Apples.
- Celery.
- Peppers.
- Pears.
- Carrots.
- Spinach.
- Beans.
- Watermelon.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt for Healthy Gums and Teeth
The three items listed above are rich in calcium which is really good for your teeth. Calcium fortifies bones. Also, many diary products have probiotics. Remember probiotics are the good bacteria.
Water for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Water is the best thing you can drink. Sure, it’s boring compared to virtually every other option, but it’s the healthiest. Water helps wash away food particles. Additionally, water rehydrates you preventing a dry mouth.
Sugar Free Gum for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Gum is a great way produce saliva and to get rid of food particles that might be stuck in between your teeth. In fact, we wrote an article about the best gum for your teeth. Go check it out! Not all gums are created equally.
Green and Black Teas
These teas have polyphenols that kill or hold back bacteria. They prevent bacteria from growing or from making the acid that leads to decay.
Nuts for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Nuts are packed with tons of important elements like calcium and phosphorous. These elements are great for promoting healthy gums and teeth. Some great nuts to eat for healthy gums and teeth are almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews.
Conclusion
There you have it folks! Next time you want to pack some healthy snacks, don’t just do it for that summer beach body! Do it because it’ll help your gums and teeth. Now you’re armed with very useful information. Go and share it with your friends!
More importantly we hope you apply this to your life. Eating healthy may not exciting but feeling great and being healthy should be! I guess looking good at the pool, beach, or lake is a plus as well!
You can read some of our other fun little articles here. You can read about the history of dentures. Bet you didn’t they’ve been around for thousands of years?
