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Dietary Measures for Oral Health

The combination of proper home care, brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day before bedtime, and professional care, regular cleanings for most people at least twice a year are proven methods to reduce the risk of oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Recent research has shown the link between gum disease and other systemic conditions that can negatively affect a person’s wellness, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and total body inflammation level (CRP). In a recent article published by the USA Magazine, additional dietary measures were reported to aid in the maintenance of oral health. These are as follows:

Eat salmon. Or peanut butter. Or any other food rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). New research shows people whose diets were rich in PUFAs, specifically DHA and EPA fatty acids, were up to 20% less likely to have periodontitis. Periodontitis is a common inflammatory condition in which the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to build up and potentially lead to bone and tooth loss. Polyunsaturated fats have been shown to reduce inflammation.

Drink green tea. It helps protect against heart disease and cancer. It boosts weight loss and lowers cholesterol. And according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology, it helps keep your mouth healthy. The study showed that for every cup of green tea participants drank, there was a decrease in indicators for gum disease.

Chew sugarless gum. Doing so for about 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay, the American Dental Association says. That’s because the physical act of chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which can help neutralize and wash away acids that are produced when food is broken down by bacteria in your mouth. Otherwise, the acids eat away at tooth enamel, resulting in decay.

Skip midnight munching. Late-night eating does more than add inches to your waistline. It also can increase your chances of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, according to two recent studies. Saliva flow dries up at night, which may be a reason. Saliva is important for removing food debris from your mouth.

Source: USA-Weekend