Are You Eating Enough Greens?

Your food choices can either cause or prevent tooth decay. Choosing healthy foods such as greens will give you a healthy mouth. Greens such as spinach, celery, lettuce, and arugula are rich in water and fiber, which are beneficial for your mouth.

Vitamins and Minerals

Greens are rich in B vitamins and calcium. B vitamins are useful in the prevention and treatment of gum inflammation, preventing gum disease. In pregnant women, folic acid, a B vitamin, is especially useful in treating periodontal disease. Calcium, on the other hand, strengthens your teeth enamel, preventing tooth decay.

High Fiber Content

Leafy greens are rich in fiber and low in calories. The high fiber content demands extra chewing, which stimulates salivary flow in the mouth. Saliva is useful in the mouth as a cleansing agent. It helps to flush out food debris and bacteria, preventing their accumulation, which can cause tooth decay and bad breath. Saliva also keeps your mouth moist and neutralizes mouth acidity. A dry mouth will harbor mouth bacteria due to the acidity, encouraging their multiplication and activity, releasing more acids that wear your tooth enamel and increase your risk of decay. The high fiber in greens is also useful as a natural toothbrush. When you chew greens, the fiber will press against your teeth and gums, removing food debris from their surfaces. This explains why your mouth feels fresh after eating greens.
To include leafy greens in your diet, you can take them raw in salads or smoothies. However, you should note that leafy greens do not substitute your oral healthcare routine. To keep your mouth healthy, you should regularly brush and floss your teeth. You should also schedule regular appointments with us, at least twice a year, for exams and cleaning. For more details on the benefits of greens for your teeth, contact our office today.