Most people think that brushing alone is enough to ensure their oral health; however, this simply is not the case. There are several factors that can affect the health of your teeth, and your diet is a big contributor because malnutrition affects oral health. It is important to bear in mind that your oral health can have far-reaching effects on your overall health and wellbeing. Eating the right foods can be extremely beneficial to your dental health.
And so, make sure that you read on for a list of the best food for your dental health.
Vitamin-Rich Foods
Foods rich in vitamins such as cheese, nuts or leafy greens which are high in calcium or meat and eggs which are a good source of phosphorous, can strengthen enamel and help keep your teeth healthy. Sugary and acidic food and drink erode enamel, and calcium and phosphate are vital in replacing the lost minerals and helping to restore this enamel.
Food’s rich in vitamin D are also great for your teeth as they act as preventatives for periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. These are prevalent gum diseases that can be highly detrimental to your dental health if left untreated; in the worst-case scenario, periodontitis can lead to loss of teeth.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
According to Dr Ellie, things like cucumber, carrots and apples can benefit your oral health. They make your teeth work harder, which can help clean your teeth whilst you are chewing. Chewing as a process interrupts and prevents plaque formation, and crunchier foods help to fend off harmful bacteria from settling on the tooth’s surface. These foods act as a sort of natural toothbrush, and they help keep your teeth cleaner throughout the day.
Dairy
As mentioned briefly above, dairy products such as cheese, milk and yoghurts are full of calcium and phosphate, strengthening bones and teeth. Eating more dairy products helps restore and maintain a healthy PH level in your mouth and offset the effects of any sugary or acidic foods. Yoghurt specifically is a fantastic source of probiotics, which can help rid your mouth of harmful bacteria. Natural yoghurt without any added sugar is the best option.
Green and Black Tea
These types of tea contain higher levels of polyphenols which are known to interact with plaque building bacteria. Polyphenols are known to prevent the bacteria from growing or producing the acid that then attacks the teeth. Depending on your water at home, brewing these teas can also be a good source of fluoride if your water at home has good levels.
Foods or Drinks with Fluoride
Fluoride is most often found in water, and it can be perfect for your teeth. That being said, some commercially produced foods such as poultry, seafood or cereal products can also be sources of fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth infection in children and adults by strengthening enamel and making the teeth more resistant to attacks from bacteria. In some cases, if caught early enough, it can also help to reverse the effects of tooth decay.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods should be avoided as much as possible, such asthe adverse effects they have on the teeth. Firstly, sticky lollies, if you do like to indulge, opt for ones that quickly disappear from the mouth, unlike caramel or lollipops. Chocolate is said to be a little better as it washes off the teeth more quickly. Then there are carbonated drinks; the sugars levels in these drinks are astronomically high. They weaken the teeth and erode the enamel. Lastly, starchy foods such as bread, potatoes and pasta. They can get trapped between your teeth, and whilst there, they raise the levels of bacteria in the mouth, which leads to tooth erosion.
A Caveat
While eating the recommended foods will help maintain your oral health, you still need to take care of your teeth in other ways. The best dental health requires a collaborative approach between your diet, cleaning your teeth and dental visits. Choosing the right dentist is an integral part of your oral health journey. An emergency dentist can pick up on things before they become an issue and advise you on lifestyle changes you should make. They can even overhaul your smile entirely if you haven’t taken the best care of your teeth in the past. If you are located in Brisbane, then you should look up Pure Dentistry. They offer a wide range of dental services, from check-ups to dental implants. All of their dentists boast years of experience and a plethora of dental specialisms, meaning that whatever you want, they will have you covered.
In Conclusion
Oral hygiene and dental health are essential. Most people use their mouths all the time; it is, for most people, an intrinsic part of life. Therefore, you should want to take care of your teeth to the best of your ability, and your diet does have a significant effect on your teeth and your overall health in general.
