We all know that maintaining good oral hygiene by thorough brushing, flossing and regular check-ups is important. Your dental health is also everything to do with your diet. Whatever food or drink you choose to have not only affects your general health, but can have a major effect on your teeth and gums. Smart eating habits can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Planning a good, healthy diet can make a huge difference to your oral health. It is always good to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and lean proteins in your meal plans. Here are some examples.
- Cheese, Milk & Yoghurt. One of the top healthy foods, cheese is a valuable source of calcium and just what our teeth love. Calcium, teamed up with phosphorus lowers the acidity in your mouth, restores the minerals in your enamel and keeps your teeth strong. Likewise, milk and yoghurt are rich in calcium.
- Leafy Greens. Not only are leafy greens rich in calcium, but also in folic acid and other important minerals that your teeth will love. Some great examples are spinach, broccoli and kale.
- Celery, Apples and Pears. Crunching on a piece of fresh celery, an apple or a pear produces saliva that neutralises the bacteria in your mouth. Their composition also makes them great abrasives and useful for cleaning your teeth and stimulating your gums.
- Lean Meats and Fatty Fish. Whilst meats are full of nutrients we need for good health, chewing them also generates saliva which is useful for reducing bacteria and acidity in the mouth. Fish, not only being rich in Vitamin D and Omega-3 acids, are also loaded with phosphorous, an important mineral for protecting tooth enamel.
- Nuts are full of heathy benefits for your teeth, loaded with elements like calcium and phosphorous. Try some almonds, brazil nuts and cashews in the fight against bacteria that leads to tooth decay.
- Black and Green Tea. Containing polyphenols, which slow down bacteria growth and acid production, and anti-oxidants, tea is also rich in fluoride, a mineral known for helping to prevent tooth decay.
And, of course, a healthy diet is accompanied with plenty of water, especially tap water containing fluoride. Water not only keeps you hydrated, but stimulates saliva production and helps to rinse food particles from on or around your teeth. So why not try a glass of water after your meal to help keep your teeth in tip top condition!
