Your teeth and gums benefit from nutritious foods that are good for your oral health. Did you know that you can boost your dental health by adding some interesting foods to your diet that will help prevent cavities? Superfoods such as cranberries, raw onions, cheese, cinnamon, shiitake mushrooms and green tea can provide valuable dental benefits because of their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

In addition to these foods, research at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that Big Red chewing gum reduces bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Cinnamic Aldehyde, an antimicrobial agent, has a significant impact on oral hygiene over the short term. Big Red gum doesn’t just mask foul mouth odor; it eliminates the bacteria that cause it, at least temporarily.

Superfoods That Are Good for Oral Health

Cranberries

Cranberries and their juice hold promise for protecting teeth against cavities. Research indicates that cranberries inhibit the development of plaque, the hard deposit that is scraped off at each dental cleaning. Researchers are trying to isolate the compounds within the juice that works as an anti-cavity food. Caution! Most cranberry juices have added sugar that can cause cavities, and the natural acidity of the juice may contribute directly to tooth decay. Although cranberries are classified as a superfood, don’t overdo it.

Raw Onions

Onions contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help prevent diseases, not just in the body but in the mouth as well. Eating raw onions can strengthen the teeth and kill off harmful bacteria in the mouth. You’re not likely to peel an onion and eat it like you would an apple, but chopped onions in a salad or a slice of onion on your hamburger or sandwich will have the same benefit.

Onions have many health benefits besides being good for oral health. Learn more about the benefits of eating raw onions every day. In general, consuming more vegetables, preferably raw veggies, will help give our bodies the nutrients we need to stay healthy, protect our oral health as well as the rest of our bodies.

Cheese

Eating cheese offers some great nutritional benefits. It’s not only a delicious source of calcium, cheese also raises the pH level in your mouth and lowers your risk of tooth decay. Cheese also promotes saliva production, which helps your mouth wash away food particles and bacteria. Cheese is beneficial to your oral health anytime you eat it, but research has shown that it’s especially valuable after a meal or a sugary drink. The phosphorus and calcium in cheese actually work to remineralize tooth enamel and the fat in cheese reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Smile and say cheese! It’s good for your oral health, teeth and bones!

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Researchers found that these mushrooms contain chemicals that are powerful aids in preventing cavities and gum disease. Shiitake mushrooms also contain a poly-saccharide called lentinan, which kills the cavity causing bacteria, while leaving the good bacteria unaffected. Lentinan has also been touted for its immune boosting properties. Shiitake mushrooms can be eaten raw in salads, grilled, sautéed or stir-fried. These mushrooms also help to prevent gum inflammation (gingivitis) and overall will help to keep your mouth healthy!

Green Tea

Green tea has the distinguished reputation for having several health benefits. Green tea is good for your teeth because it is rich in antioxidants, and prevents bad breath by killing the microbes that cause an odorous mouth. Green tea’s anti-inflammatory qualities seem to help control periodontal (gum) disease and it also kills oral bacteria that can cause plaque and cavities. There is also some evidence that drinking green tea reduces the incidence of mouth cancer. When drinking your cup of tea, skip the sweeteners; sugar and honey still promote cavities. Not a tea drinker? There are other products, such as chewing gum or candies made with green tea that would have oral benefits, just make sure they are sugar free!

Superfoods Help, But Don’t Forget the Basics

A good dentist that you trust and feel confident in is paramount to good oral care. Dr. Shane S. Porter of Premier Dentistry of Eagle, is board certified by the American Board of General Dentistry, a distinction earned by only one percent of all dentists in America. He graduated at the top of his class at Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree while amassing many academic and clinical awards. Although Dr. Porter has extensive experience and expertise he works to establish a personal relationship with his patients and treats everyone in a compassionate and gentle way.

The Basics of Oral Care to Support Excellent Oral Health

There will never be a substitute for taking good care of your teeth at home.

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes each time.
• Floss once a day (or more if needed). The preferable time to floss is before bedtime to remove any debris from between teeth.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill germs that might be left behind.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks throughout the day.
• Schedule a check-up with Dr. Porter every six months for a professional cleaning and exam.  

Contact our office or call (208) 546-0655 to schedule an oral health evaluation and appointment. We are located at 467 South Rivershore Lane in Eagle, and also serve patients from the surrounding communities of Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and Boise, Idaho.

Oral care should be a very natural part of your daily habits and adding these superfoods to your diet just made caring for your teeth a lot more delicious! Bon Appetit!