Maintaining oral health starts by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, but these actions are just the beginning. In addition to regular dental care, your teeth and gums need proper nourishment to stay strong. To support overall oral health, it's important to maintain a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Curious about which nutrients can help you achieve good oral hygiene? Keep reading to find out more.
What to eat:
Calcium and Phosphorus: Calcium and phosphorus are the building blocks of strong teeth and bones. The combo is found in dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and certain fish.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, making it crucial for healthy teeth and bones. The best sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes gum health by strengthening blood vessels and connective tissues. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery act like natural toothbrushes. They help scrub away plaque and stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles.
Water: Water plays an important role in maintaining oral and overall health. Drinking water removes food particles stuck between the teeth, preventing bad breath. Water also washes away the bacteria to some extent, preventing bad breath and tooth decay.
What not to eat:
Sugary Drinks & Snacks: Sugar does no good to your teeth. Instead, it fuels the bacteria in your mouth by feeding on sugar. These bacteria then produce acids that erode enamel and lead to cavities. Owing to the ill effects of sugar, we highly recommend either staying away from it or trying to avoid it—especially packaged foods that contain hidden sugar.
Sticky Foods: Caramelized sweets, candies, certain dry fruits, and breads stick to your teeth for a long time. These sticky foods feast on bacteria and later create havoc in your mouth.
Acidic Foods & Drinks: Be mindful of acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, juices, vinegar, and soda, as they can weaken tooth enamel and make teeth more prone to decay. If you do enjoy acidic foods, it's best to consume them in moderation, and don't forget to rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Remember, you are more likely to invite bacteria when you opt for snacks in between meals, especially when you prefer food that is high in sugar or acidic. Such foods keep your mouth acidic, increasing the risk of decay.
In summary, your mouth is the gateway to your overall health. Even the researchers have suggested a link between gum disease and serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By incorporating a balanced diet into your lifestyle, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy in the long run. While we are sure you will try to follow a healthy diet from here on, make sure to maintain oral hygiene by regularly brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months.
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