Brushing and flossing regularly are your best bets when it comes to maintaining good oral health but incorporating some specific foods into your diet can also help to improve your oral hygiene.
Shiitake mushrooms have long been known for boosting immune response, but recent research reveals they can protect teeth as well. A study by the Pediatric Caries Research Program discovered that mushrooms contain a sugar called Lentinan, which hinders bacteria from growing in the mouth.
Mushrooms aren’t the only food that kills bad bacteria. Raw onions and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) also contain substances that limit bacteria growth. Wasabi contains compounds called isothiocyanates to arrest bacteria growth and onions contain sulphur compounds that have been proven to reduce certain bacteria known to cause tooth decay.
High in iron, broccoli is also a smile-saving food. Based on a study published in the The European Journal of Dentistry, the iron in broccoli may help form an acid-resistant film on teeth. Why does it matter? After exposure to an acid-based drink like soda, enamel erodes half as quickly when exposed to broccoli.
Try incorporating these foods into your diet regularly to see a difference. If subpar oral heath is affecting your smile, visit a cosmetic dentist to find the best options for a smile makeover.
