Chew These Healthy Teeth Facts Over

We all know that the key to a healthy life, and professed longevity, is a well balanced diet with lots of exercise.  In fact, few of us would argue with that.  We know that too much sugar or fat can make us feel lethargic and bloated, and can do horrible things to our blood sugar levels.  However, they can also have a significant impact on our oral health.

With this in mind, we are going to focus on how five a day can help keep your teeth healthy too, and which foods you should be looking at to improve oral health.

 

  

#1. Oranges: 

 

Most of us know that oranges are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, but few of us really understand why this is a big deal. Oranges, like all citrus fruits, are full of Vitamin C which can help to strengthen blood vessels.  This can in turn improve circulation and help reduce inflammation which could lead to gingivitis.

#2. Strawberries: 

 

These little sweet fruits are also bursting with Vitamin C, so have the same benefits as grapefruits, lemons and oranges.  In fact, they are so good for you that just half a cup of strawberries can provide you with 70% of your daily recommend allowance of Vitamin C.

#3. Raisins

 

These little dried fruits are naturally sweet, which means you can get your fix without filling yourself with sucrose or sugar.  This is particularly good as sugar help ensure that bacteria stick to the surface of teeth, which in turn can cause decay.  Recent research has even suggested that raisins, which contain phytochemicals, may kill cavity causing plaque bacteria as well, which is an added bonus.

#4. Apples, carrots and cucumbe:

 

In fact, any fruit or veg with a bit of crunch to it are likely to be of benefit to your teeth.  The act of chomping down on these crunchy snacks, and then engaging in a slightly more prolonged chewing episode can actually serve as a cleaning mechanism for the mouth.  Any bacteria left on the teeth surface from previous meals or drinks can be wiped off an removed in the process.

#5. Cranberries

 

These little fruits contain polyphenols which are proven to slow the growth of the bacteria often associated with cavities. This means that there are fewer cavities, and less chance of developing gum disease. However, it is worth pointing out that as cranberries are in themselves very tart, you must be careful that sugar has not been added to any cranberry based products as this would defeat the object!

Of course, simply sticking to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is not enough to ensure that your teeth will remain healthy.  It is important to see your dentist regularly, brush twice a day and follow good oral hygiene.

About the Author:

 

David has a keen interest in oral health. His articles on the subject inform readers of all aspects of dental health and advise how five a day will keep your teeth healthy too.