Celery: The Toothbrush
Celery is rich in coarse fiber. Foreign scientific research has found that when the elderly chew celery, the mechanical friction on the tooth surface wipes away bacteria adhering to the surface, thereby reducing the formation of dental plaque.
When you chew celery in big bites, it is helping your teeth with a big clean. These coarse fiber foods act like a broom, sweeping away some of the food debris on your teeth.
Tip: Cut celery and carrots into strips the size of an adult's finger, put them in boiling water to cook, then place them in cold water after cooking. After it cools down, chewing it can help massage your gums.
Cheese: Repairing Tooth Damage
It is well-known that insufficient calcium intake can weaken bones, so it is necessary to supplement calcium from various natural foods every day. Cheese is not only a good source of calcium, but it also has other protective effects on teeth.
The Australian Dental Association has studied that in addition to rich nutrients like calcium and phosphorus for teeth, cheese also contains unique casein. Casein can effectively prevent the formation of dental plaque and repair tooth damage. Furthermore, cheese can also stimulate saliva secretion, neutralize and balance the acidic environment in the mouth, inhibit bacterial growth, and strengthen tooth enamel.
Tip: For breakfast, you can make a tomato and cheese sandwich for the elderly. 2 slices of whole wheat toast, 1 slice of tomato about 3 cm thick, and 1 slice of low-fat cheese.
Cold Onion Shreds
Onion: The "Killer" of Tooth Bacteria
The sulfur compounds in onions are powerful antibacterial ingredients. In vitro experiments have found that onions can kill various bacteria, including the Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities, and fresh raw onions are the most effective.
Tip: It is recommended to eat half a raw onion daily, which not only prevents cavities but also helps lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and boost immunity.
When making a salad, you can add a few fresh onion leaves; or, add some shredded raw onions to burgers and sandwiches.
Mushrooms: Inhibiting Dental Plaque
In recent years, mushrooms have not only become a popular food for boosting immunity, but research since 2000 has also found that they help protect teeth. This is because lentinan, a polysaccharide contained in mushrooms, can inhibit bacteria in the mouth from forming dental plaque.
Tip: Mushrooms have a unique flavor and are low in calories, making them delicious whether in soups, stir-fries, or cold salads. Eating various types of mushrooms 2-3 times a week is a simple and inexpensive health method.
Scrambled eggs