Diet and Dental Health
Most of us eat nutritious food to keep our body healthy, but many of us often overlook the health of our teeth and gums, or our dental health. More than half the people in the world suffer from some kind of dental problem. Poor dental health has also been associated with heart problems and infections, thus, making it necessary to take care of your dental health.
Also, contrary to popular belief, proper dental health has benefits beyond the mouth. The best way to maintain your dental health is having a healthy and balanced diet.
Diet and dental health are correlated, since, the minute you eat certain food, changes in your mouth start. The bacteria present in our mouth convert the sugar in the food we eat into acids. These acids begin to attack the teeth enamel, initiating the decay process. The more often we snack and eat, the more the teeth are exposed to the decay cycle. So it is very important that you eat the right kind of food.
Food for Dental Health
Dairy products – Milk, cheese and yoghurt are a blessing for your teeth. These dairy products contain calcium, phosphorous and protein, all very important to keep away tooth decay. Cheese increases the flow of saliva, thus neutralizing the acids. It also decreases the amount of bacteria on the teeth’s surface; hence, a small lump of cheese after a meal or a sugary drink will help in protecting your tooth enamel.
Natural Healthy Acids – Although acids, consumed on a large scale, are known to be harmful to teeth; naturally acidic fruits are known to be good for your dental health. Acids in fruits like lemon, orange, lime and apples, help in the production of saliva thus washing away the food you have consumed. Also, as these fruits contain lots of water in them, they help in the teeth rinsing process, keeping your mouth free from harmful bacteria.
Tea – Some research have shown that tea can fight tooth decay. The polyphenols in tea restrains the growth of bacteria in teeth. Green tea is also known to be beneficial for dental health. The antioxidant in green tea, known as catechin, helps to minimize the formation of bacteria in the teeth.
Other healthy foods – Apart from above mentioned things, raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, wholemeal bread, breadsticks are beneficial to maintain your dental health. Also, try including as much sugar free or sugarless food in your diet. A sugar free chewing gum is also known to be good for your teeth as it helps producing saliva.
Also, remember to brush your teeth twice daily; avoid sugary and acidic foods/drinks in between meals; end your meal with lump of cheese, and try to eat maximum raw fruits and vegetables. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body; so make sure you have a proper diet for good dental health.