Diet Tips for Healthier Teeth

Teeth are easy to take for granted, yet when we develop a problem with them, it can have a significant impact on our day to day life. Dental problems caninclude mild to excruciating toothaches, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in themouth, discolored or unsightly teeth and even tooth loss.

Although there are many restorative treatments available, prevention is alwaysbetter than needing treatments, and many people are now actively seeking waysthat will help preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible.

One of the main ways in which we can achieve and sustain healthier teeth is bytaking a look at our diet and our dietary habits.

A Balanced Diet for Healthy Teeth

Doctors, nutritionists, and dentists all speak of the merits of a balanced diet formaintaining your bodily health, and this includes your dental health.

Unfortunately, a lot of modern convenience foods are high in sugar, which isbad news for your oral health. By reducing the amount of fast food that you eat.and instead focusing on eating a balanced diet of whole foods, you will bemaking a positive change for the health of your teeth.

There are also certain foods and drinks that are particularly good for your teeth,and ensuring you get an abundance of them could boost your oral health. These include:

• Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli and kale. These are rich in folic acid, calcium and vitamins and minerals that support healthy teeth.
• Cheese. Unsurprisingly, cheese is a great source of calcium, plus it lowers the acidity in your saliva which is good for fighting plaque. Choose hard cheese varieties for the best smile-saving properties.
• Milk. Full of calcium and with acid-neutralizing properties, swapping juice for milk is a great way to help preserve your teeth.
• Fish. Fish is packed with vitamin D, which is essential for healthy teeth. Fish is also an important food group for overall health.
• Nuts. Nuts are good for whole body health too, containing a variety of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews are especially beneficial.
• Chewing gum. Chewing promotes the production of saliva, which is our body's natural defense against tooth decay. This is because it helps to wash away food debris and bacteria. Chewing gum after every meal should be encouraged to help keep your teeth healthier.
• Water. The single, most important thing in the world for mammals to consume is fresh water. Sugar-free, water contains proteins and minerals that naturally fight plaque and tooth decay. Drinking more water will help wash bacteria away from your teeth and gums.

Limit Snacking for Healthier Teeth

Foods that are consumed as a part of a meal are less likely to cause harm to your teeth than those that eaten as a snack. This is because more saliva is produced during a full meal, helping to naturally cleanse your teeth and gums of food debris and bacteria.

If you must snack, try and choose foods that are good for your teeth such as fruit, vegetables or cheese. Chewing some sugar-free gum after your snack will help to stimulate further saliva production and keep your teeth healthier.

It is important to try not to take our teeth and gums for granted. However, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the foods and drinks that we like too. A robust brushing and flossing routine combined with a balanced diet that has some teeth-friendly foods can help us secure a super, healthy smile for years to come. You might want to contact our dentist for further information on how to take care of your teeth and schedule an appointment today.