Oral health Wholegrain products protect our teeth

Whole grain nutrition protects the teeth

Some health professionals have been pointing out for some time that certain foods, such as wholegrain products, can protect our teeth. Now, an evaluation of several scientific studies has shown that such foods are beneficial for oral health.

Whole grain products are good for your health

Whole-grain products are healthy: the numerous fibers contained in them can stimulate digestion and prevent constipation. In addition, scientific studies have shown that a diet high in whole grains can protect against many chronic diseases. Scientists have found that people who eat a lot of whole grains have a lower risk of developing serious illnesses such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. They also found that this reduced the risk of suffering a stroke or dying from diabetes or respiratory disease. But that's not all. A new analysis has now found that eating whole wheat products is also beneficial to oral health.

Whole grain products are not only good for digestion, but also are good for oral health. Who uses more often to wholemeal bread and Co has, according to a study, for example, rare gingivitis. (Image: morissfoto / fotolia.com)

Oral health examination

An oral health survey commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that one should better stick to whole grain carbohydrates to preserve teeth.

By contrast, processed carbohydrates should be better avoided, especially if they are sweet.

As the researchers from Newcastle University (UK) report in a communication, processed carbohydrates increase the risk of tooth decay. This is because they are decomposed in the mouth by amylase in the saliva to sugar.

For wholegrain products, the risk is significantly lower. In addition, the scientists found evidence that the sugar from whole grain triggers less oral cancer and gingivitis.

Better to resort to carbohydrates from whole grain products

"There is every indication that a diet rich in whole grain carbohydrates is less harmful to your oral health than one of processed starch," said Paula Moynihan, a professor of nutrition and oral health at Newcastle University.

"Despite the unreasonable fad of eliminating carbohydrates from the diet, a carbohydrate-rich diet is fine for oral health as long as it contains little sugar and relies on carbohydrates from whole-grain products like pasta, couscous, and wholegrain bread," the expert added.

The results of the study, which evaluated a total of 33 studies on nutrition and dental health, have been published in the journal "Journal of Dental Research". (Ad)