The best food for good oral health

Dr. Kami Hoss explains that certain foods have been found to promote oral health and reduce the risk of gum disease. If you have periodontal pockets, these are foods you should be eating more often.

Foods that fight plaque include oranges, apples, oatmeal, cheese, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and even black pepper.

• Calcium-rich foods, like cheese and milk, help to harden tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

• Food high in fiber, like oatmeal, scrape plaque off teeth as you chew.

• Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen gums.

• Apples contain malic acid, which can remove plaque.

• Vitamin E protects gum tissue.

Meanwhile, foods that can harm oral health include soft drinks, candy, and other sugary foods (which contribute to plague), highly processed foods (which promote vitamin deficiencies), simple carbohydrates (which cause plaque build-up), and tobacco.

Consume green leafy vegetables such as spinach, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots, dairy products like cheese and milk, lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or fish, and whole grains like oatmeal.

If you value your oral health, make sure to incorporate these foods into your diet. Not only will you be doing your mouth a favor, but according to Dr. Kami Hoss, you’ll likely see other health benefits as well.

More articles on oral health can be accessed on this

Dr. Kami Hoss blog.