Poor oral health such as gum disease, decayed teeth, and plaque build-up can affect your mental health. Poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of stroke. These indications have been found in the new research. The researchers say their study links oral dirt to negative health outcomes elsewhere in the body.
Study author and postdoctoral fellow in neurology Dr. Cyprien Riviere told Healthline that while previous research had linked poor dental health to a risk factor for heart disease, the new research evaluated the link between oral health and the brain. He added that our study expands existing evidence showing the adverse effects of oral health on heart health by extending it to brain health. Our main message is that we need to be extra careful with our oral hygiene as it affects much more than just the mouth.
Eat these 5 foods for good oral health
Fatty fish
Fatty fish is an important part of many healthy dietary patterns, as it is rich in vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for almost every system in the body, one of which is its ability to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Cheese and butter
Grass-fed dairy products like cheese and butter are rich in vitamin K2. This nutrient is important for healthy teeth. Most of the world's population is probably deficient in Vitamin K2. All other mammals can efficiently convert vitamin K1 to K2 in the digestive tract, but humans do not have the proper enzymes to do so.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a comfort food, but without the added sugar content, it may help prevent cavities by inhibiting some oral bacteria and preventing plaque from building up on teeth.
Green vegetables
Green vegetables are beneficial for healthy oral bacteria. Green vegetables help the mouth produce more nitrite-reducing bacteria. In turn, the increase in nitric oxide benefits your oral and cardiovascular systems.
Grapes and Oranges
While acidic foods can have negative effects on teeth, grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits can benefit oral health.
