Are you planning this year’s garden? Many fruits and veggies are well known to be particularly beneficial for your teeth.
Apples
An apple tree adds beauty to every garden. Homegrown organic apples are a great alternative to desserts packed with refined sugar. Apples have a reputation as “nature’s toothbrush” because they increase saliva flow, which in turn reduces the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
Strawberries
Strawberries are powerful teeth whiteners and contain both an astringent and vitamin C. The astringent in strawberries effectively aids in the removal of surface stains while vitamin C whitens teeth by clearing away plaque. These yummy fruit contain malic acid an astringent that can help to remove surface discoloration. Combined with baking soda, strawberries become a natural tooth-cleanser.
Peppermint & Spearmint
Peppermint and spearmint are know for being some of the easiest herbs to grow as well as being two of the healthiest. You may also have guessed from their omnipresence in toothpastes that they are great for your teeth. They have naturally occurring antiseptic properties to help prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth. As a bonus, peppermint and spearmint oils reduce stress, aids with indigestion and help your breath to smell fresh.
Celery
Celery is an awesome weapon against the bacteria in your mouth. Celery is stringy and mostly water and works well as a natural teeth cleaner. Eating celery helps clean out the grooves between the teeth, keeping them free of food and germs.
Carrots
Carrots are packed with vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates your mouth’s natural cleanser, saliva. Raw is best because it will trigger a lot of saliva, which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Carrot’s are naturally abrasive and aid in eliminating dirt and plague from the teeth and gums. Carrots are packed with minerals that help to kill germs in the mouth and prevent tooth damage.
Turnips
The unassuming turnip is a gold mine if you are looking to get the calcium but skip the milk. One cup of turnip provides 20% of your daily-recommended calcium. Turnips make a great side dish and are a fine addition to soups and casseroles.
Garlic
Aside from the obvious potent breath issue, garlic is a super powerful ally when it comes to helping with toothaches. Garlic is a great natural home remedy for the pain associated with wisdom teeth coming in, abscessed teeth and tooth pain in general. A remedy for tooth pain is to peal one clove of garlic and apply it directly to the aching tooth. This can help to reduce the pain until you see your dentist to solve the problem. But be warned a painful tooth will not just go away as this is a warning sign for you to book that visit !
Of course, eating right is only part of the story to keeping healthy teeth. No matter how careful you are with your diet, teeth will still have some measure of plaque build up that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease so remember to brush and floss and visit your dentist twice a year for a check up.
Visit us at the Dental Pod, make an appointment today on 03 6234 5114.
Dr Matthew Clougher – Your Hobart Dentist.
Because it’s time you thought differently about your dental health.
A yummy Strawberry and Mint Green Smoothie recipe.