Olive oil
Limit plaque-formation and strengthen teeth. by adding olive oil to salads and cooking. University of Madrid researchers studied the anti-cavity properties of olive oil after discovering that residents of towns where olive oil is manufactured have uncharacteristically low levels of tooth decay and gum disease. They found out that olive oil contains oleuropein, an anti-bacterial compound that stops 'gram negative' bacteria — the type that cause gum disease and bone loss — from attaching to teeth. Olive oil also covers the teeth with a film of fat molecules that prevents plaque from forming. Other dietary fats and oils also help to neutralise acids produced by bacterial plaque.
Plaque-busting gum: Chew on gums containing Xylitol or Sorbitol, sugar substitutes that have a plaque-reducing effect. Xylitol cannot be utilised by oral bacteria and they starve. As the bacteria die off, there is a reduction in decay. A review of studies by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine found that those who chew dental gums regularly have 30 to 60 per cent less decay.
Limit plaque-formation and strengthen teeth. by adding olive oil to salads and cooking. University of Madrid researchers studied the anti-cavity properties of olive oil after discovering that residents of towns where olive oil is manufactured have uncharacteristically low levels of tooth decay and gum disease. They found out that olive oil contains oleuropein, an anti-bacterial compound that stops 'gram negative' bacteria — the type that cause gum disease and bone loss — from attaching to teeth. Olive oil also covers the teeth with a film of fat molecules that prevents plaque from forming. Other dietary fats and oils also help to neutralise acids produced by bacterial plaque.
Plaque-busting gum: Chew on gums containing Xylitol or Sorbitol, sugar substitutes that have a plaque-reducing effect. Xylitol cannot be utilised by oral bacteria and they starve. As the bacteria die off, there is a reduction in decay. A review of studies by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine found that those who chew dental gums regularly have 30 to 60 per cent less decay.