How the Mediterranean Diet Can Benefit Your Teeth

The Mediterranean diet has gained many adherents over the past several years as scientific studies have gathered data showing individuals who follow such a diet reduce their risk of dying from cardiovascular issues and cancer, as well as reduce the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. The results of a large, 10 year study published in 2013 prove conclusively that such a diet lowers the risk of heart disease itself, a health benefit only surmised previously, which should make this way of eating more appealing than ever. The foods that make up a substantial portion of the Mediterranean Diet can also lead to stronger, healthier teeth. Here are a few foods enjoyed in abundance by individuals in the Mediterranean and how they encourage good oral health.

Fish
Eating a few servings of fish per week, exactly as recommended in the Mediterranean diet, has been linked to a lower risk of developing gum disease. A study from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that individuals who consumed the highest levels of a specific omega-3 fatty acid found in cold water fish and seafood reduced their risk of periodontitis by 20 percent, in comparison to those who ate the least.

Fruits and vegetables
Individuals in the Mediterranean region eat at least six servings of vegetables and fruits per day, on average. There are many reasons that a mixture of fruits and vegetables contribute to a healthy oral environment, including the fact that many contain important tooth-strengthening minerals like calcium and magnesium and the fact that most contain a high amount of water that can help cleanse the mouth of bacteria.

Nuts
Nuts that contain healthy, monounsaturated fats are an important part of the Mediterranean diet that have actually been proven to have significant health benefits. In particular, studies that have investigated walnuts found they reduced inflammation which can reduce the risk of gum disease, and contain several vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, which help strengthen teeth.

Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the products most associated with the Mediterranean diet. While fat is often associated with causing inflammation, the fat in olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers decided to study the effects of olive oil on oral health after discovering low levels of gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay in the population of areas that produce olive oil. They discovered the oil contains a compound that inhibits the ability of bacteria to attach to teeth and cause decay.

While you should speak to your doctor before undertaking any serious weight loss plan, these Mediterranean diet foods can provide may provide you with an improved lifestyle and may even make your teeth stronger and healthier than before.