Food groups that fight unhealthy oral bacteria

4 Food groupings that slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease

There are foods available that will slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease, disturb existing plaque making it less sticky, kill cavity-causing plaque and bacteria, act like natures toothbrush disturbing existing plaque and can even help keep enamel strong and healthy. What are these amazing foods?   Most of them can be found at your local grocer and are probably in your kitchen.

1. Foods that slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease include tea and cranberries. Tea and cranberries have polyphenols which can slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease according to researchers at the University of Illinois of Chicago. Beware of some cranberry dishes for they may be loaded with sugar.
2. Foods that can kill cavity-causing plaque bacteria, making plaque less sticky, include foods with phytochemicals. Raisins are great because they not only contain phytochemicals, they are tasty, sweet and chewable. All are great reasons to eat Raisins because they satisfy your sweet tooth, stimulate saliva to help cleanse your palate and more importantly, can kill cavity-causing plaque bacteria making plaque less sticky.
3. Foods that clean your teeth by disturbing plaque through industrious chewing include crunchy foods like carrots, apples, and cucumbers.
4. Foods that help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy according to the ADA consist of vitamin-rich foods and foods containing calcium. Vitamin-rich foods include meat, eggs, and fish. Foods high in calcium include cheese, almonds, and leafy greens.

This fall, crunch, chew and nibble your way to healthier teeth. But, to ensure that your teeth remain healthy, remember to maintain a healthy balanced diet, brush twice daily, floss at least once a day and consult your dentist bi-annually.

Happy Chewing!