Everyone knows that sugary foods can lead to dental cavities, by feeding harmful bacteria in our mouths. But it turns out that keeping them away is as much about what you do eat as what you don’t eat – and from fruit to cheese, the most beneficial foods might surprise you.
Research is starting to uncover the importance of the oral microbiome. This community is made up of 700 different bacterial species, as well as viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. It can have a profound effect on our health. Currently, though, it’s often neglected.
It doesn’t have to be this way. It’s easy to take care of your mouth microbes – and as with the gut, your diet is a major factor. Here’s what you need to know to eat your way to healthy teeth.
A thriving community
In the bustling neighbourhood of your mouth, microbes carve out ecological niches, with each species preferring a distinct habitat. While some bacteria choose to inhabit the surface of teeth, others might prefer the tongue or lurk in the tiny crevices between your teeth and gums.
