nutrition a healthier mouth
All-natural mouth aids Good-Gums. Powdered toothpaste replacement with antimicrobial vitamins and herbs. Quantum SuperLysine Plus ColdStick. Petroleum-free balm to protect lips and help heal painful cold sores.
Pür Gum. Vegan and sweetened with xylitol; free of aspartame and gluten. VitaCare Multicare Mouthwash. Fluoride-free, vitamin-rich rinse with cranberry extract and aloe.
1. Herbs, especially minty ones. Spearmint and peppermint, as well as parsley, coriander (cilantro), eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, and tarragon off er antimicrobial properties that fi ght bad breath and aid digestion, says Glosman. Look for oral care products that also incorporate these plants’ essential oils.
2. Yogurt. According to recent research, probiotics in yogurt battle bad breath, plaque, and gum disease by creating an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria in your mouth. Also try kefi r, a drinkable yogurt. With either form, avoid products with lots of added sugar (which feeds odor-causing mouth bacteria) and check the label to be sure the yogurt contains live, active cultures.
3. Cheese. T e French are onto something: Increasing evidence suggests cheese eaten at the end of a meal prevents tooth decay,
HELP FOR HALITOSIS
Insuffi cient hygiene and bacteria that accumulate on the tongue’s surface cause 85 percent of bad-breath cases. An effective halitosis buster: tongue scraping, an ancient Ayurvedic practice. Once a day after brushing, place a tongue scraper (often available in natural products stores) as far back on your tongue as possible and draw forward, pressing gently but fi rmly; repeat once or twice, rinsing the scraper each time.
reduces tooth-enamel breakdown, and neutralizes acids formed in plaque. Like yogurt, no-sugar-added cheese and other dairy foods may actually prevent dental caries, according to a 2012 research review.
4. Crunchy, raw vegetables and fruits. Stimulate circulation in your gums and encourage bacteria-fl ushing saliva by munching on apples, carrots, celery, green bell peppers, and cucumbers. T eir natural fi ber “scrubs” teeth naturally, dislodging food particles, says Glosman.
5. Vitamin C–rich foods. An important immunity booster, vitamin C also creates an unfriendly scene for bacteria growth and wards off gum disease. Enjoy your fi ll of C-loaded berries, citrus, and melons.
6. Tea. Want a great post-meal drink? Green and black teas’ antibacterial properties prevent plaque buildup while weakening existing plaque and bacteria. When tea isn’t available, swish your mouth with a natural mouthwash containing antibacterial ingredients such as cinnamon, tea tree oil, and clove. When all else fails, rinse with water after eating to remove excess food debris.
7. Sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal stimulates bacteria-fi ghting saliva and dislodges food particles. Xylitol- enhanced gum, in particular, helps prevent cavities; just make sure xylitol is high on the ingredient list.
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deliciousliving.com | february 2013
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