How to Avoid Cavities Naturally
You know the drill — once (or better yet, twice) a year you sit in the dentist’s chair waiting for the news. Are there cavities? Am I going to need fillings?
What if you could decrease your risk of cavities with food, in addition to brushing and (ahem) flossing just as you’re told?
Here are two suggestions for decreasing your risk of cavities. What’s more, these aren’t wives’ tales, these natural remedies are backed by science
1. Avoid Sugar and White Flour Products
There is a strong association between sugar intake and dental cavity formation. Multiple studies have replicated these results.
Does this come as any surprise? Probably not, but you may be surprised to learn that this applies when it comes to processed foods as well, particularly those containing white flour. In these foods, the flour has been stripped of its wheat germ. That means your body breaks it down fast — into sugar. Looks like this may be bad news for your teeth as well as many other organs. Opt for whole grains instead of refined.
2. Up the Veggies!
Though there isn’t nearly as much evidence here, some studies have shown a negative association between vegetable intake and cavity occurrence—meaning that the people who ate more veggies have fewer cavities. Yet another reason to follow mom’s advice and eat your vegetables.
There you have it, our two recommendations for lowering your cavity risk naturally. What’s great is that these two small pieces of advice hold true for lowering your risk of all sorts of other ailments as well, such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease, just to name a couple. Long live the veggie SuperFoods.
Sources: NIH1, NIH2, NIH3, NIH4
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11109219
