Here’s a health tip about a great alternative remedy that could help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Researchers in Verona, Italy, have found that both mushrooms and chicory exert a beneficial effect in the mouth, helping to kill off harmful bacteria.
There is a common belief that food has a negative impact on oral health. After all, natural sugars and tiny bits of foods that stick to the teeth and gums can cause bacteria to grow. These bacteria can irritate gums and cause cavities to start growing in your teeth. The Italian researchers wanted to challenge this belief, however, and suggest instead that several healing foods contain a number of beneficial ingredients that exert both antibacterial and antiplaque activity. These natural compounds may be useful for improving daily oral hygiene. And, in fact, this was exactly what they found when they conducted a study.
The research team evaluated the antimicrobial action of mushroom and red chicory extracts on “Prevotella intermedia” — a common bacterium in the mouth that can lead to gingivitis and other infections. The researchers found that both the extracts worked on the cellular level to control the spread of “Prevotella intermedia.” Both DNA and RNA inside the bacterium were inhibited.
The researchers concluded that the mushroom and chicory extracts behaved in much the same was as an antibiotic would. They suggest that mushroom and chicory be used for daily oral hygiene and added to such products as mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Now here’s another health tip about how to protect your teeth — drink some red wine! Read more here.
In general, remember to eat lots of foods rich in antioxidants. Keep brushing your teeth at least twice a day and take the time to floss. Yes — flossing is a pain, but your teeth and gums will stay healthy and that means fewer visits to the dentist!