Apple
An apple can be considered as a natural cleaner for the teeth. Apple skin has a lot of fiber content that helps to scrape off plaque from the teeth. The high content of water prevents it from sticking to the enamel. Apple being rich in vitamins, helps to build stronger gum tissues. There is a range of other food that helps in maintaining the overall oral health as offered by the apples. Apple has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. While there are some which help in stopping the growth of bacteria in the mouth, there are others that help to kill pathogens. Thus it can help prevent various infectious diseases.
Cranberries
Cranberry juice helps to prevent plaque formation in the mouth. The research was conducted recently by a group of researchers in Israel. Their findings were published in the journal of Anti-microbial chemotherapy in the year 2004. It stated that cranberry juices helped to stop the growth of biofilms and the collection of microorganisms growing on teeth. It prevents tooth decay. Previous studies have shown that the non-dialyzable material present in cranberry juice helps to prevent the growth of different oral bacteria. According to researchers, cranberries are much of an oral health benefit.
Grape Products
From the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois, Dr. Christine Wu conducted several studies to research the effect of grape products on teeth. The “Journal of Nutrition,” published in the year 2009, stated that raisins have anti-microbial compounds. These compounds prevent the growth of oral pathogens, which in turn reduces the chances of dental diseases. An experiment on grape seed extract proved that it promotes the demineralization of tooth enamel.
Some varieties of grapes are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins. This helps to promote general health. She further stated that grapes are beneficial fororal health.
Blackberries
Blackberries help to kill pathogens. These cause frequent infections. A research was published by the University of Kentuckyand the University of North Carolina, in the “Journal of Periodontal Research.” Here, ten types of mouth bacteria were exposed to blackberry extract. It was soon found that it offers more benefits than just protecting from anti-inflammation. The compound even showed anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, which helped to reduce the amount of damaging pathogens.
Garlic
Garlic is considered to be the reason for bad breath. Well, it is not precisely so. The anti-microbial properties of garlic help in killing mouth bacteria. The researchers from South Yorkshire mentioned that garlic contains allicin. This represses the activity of a compound called periodontitis. It also helps to fight gingivitis. They also suggested that garlic extract can help prevent or even treat different types of oral diseases.
