Dental health is vital in an individual’s life because it prevents people from developing teeth and gum diseases. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting a great dentist like lowenberglituchykantor.com promote good oral health.
But even if you’re doing everything right to keep your teeth in top shape, there are some things you can also do that could be tremendously helpful. Several foods could help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Calcium-rich foods: Calcium is a vital mineral necessary if you want your teeth to stay strong and healthy. Among the best sources of calcium are dairy products. While it’s possible to get calcium from other foods such as fish, the best way to guarantee all the calcium your body needs is by eating dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or even hard cheeses.
These foods strengthen your enamel, thus preventing conditions such as tooth sensitivity and decay. They also contain phosphorus, an important mineral in dental health.
Green leafy vegetables: Studies show that green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and other greens are excellent sources of antioxidants, which are beneficial for improving bone health. Also, these vegetables are rich in Vitamin C, which promotes good gum health.
Healthy gums prevent conditions such as gingivitis, which could damage your teeth. When you develop these conditions, a dentist would recommend healthy practices to minimize their occurrence in the future.
Nuts: Many people suffer from various dental conditions due to unhealthy snacking. Nuts are a great snack choice; you can eat them almost anywhere because they’re quite easy to carry around.
The problem is that not everyone likes them. However, you should consider replacing your unhealthy snacks with nuts because of their nutritional value. They’re rich in omega-3 fats, which help to keep your gums healthy. Nuts are also rich in magnesium, phosphate, and calcium. These Minerals play an important role in maintaining good dental health.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C which is good for healthy gums. The fruits include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes. Also, citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants that help to prevent bone loss, gingivitis, and plaque build-up.
What to Avoid
Teeth grinding- Grinding your teeth is a big no. It leads to tooth erosion, tooth discoloration, and even severe decalcification. Besides that, you may be hurting your teeth as well.
Unhealthy snacks: These snacks are the leading cause of tooth issues such as decay. The chances of teeth decay are higher if you don’t brush them after consuming sugary snacks. Unhealthy snacks are those filled with sweeteners.
Sugary drinks: They are one of the worst things you can drink because they promote tooth decay. You should replace them with healthier beverages such as milk or water.
Sugar: While sugar is tempting, you should avoid it. Sugar causes tooth decay and promotes cavities. Also, you suffer from tooth erosion if you’ve teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. In such a case, avoid sugar and sweeteners.
Smoking or chewing tobacco: While tobacco is addictive, it’s bad for your health. If you chew tobacco frequently or smoke several cigarettes daily, your dental health will likely suffer tremendously.
Alcohol: Alcohol has detrimental effects on your teeth. It compromises the enamel and could lead to cavities. Also, it might weaken the immune system, which means that it makes you susceptible to bacterial growth as well as tooth decay.
If you drink occasionally, you should be okay, but if you’re drinking a lot or suffering from tooth decay or cavities, avoid alcohol completely.
Are You Caring for a Baby?
You can do everything right, but if your babies aren’t getting enough nutrients and vitamins, they could suffer from poor health issues, such as tooth decay. You can provide your children with the right nutrients by ensuring their diet is high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
When caring for an infant younger than 12 months, avoid giving other fluids apart from infant formula and milk. Some people might be tempted to give their children sweet fluids to soothe them. The fluids would only contribute to tooth decay in the future.
If the child is between one and five years, minimize the number of sweetened foods and juices because they can cause tooth decay and gum issues. These kids tend to love sweet foods, and if you don’t control their consumption, your child will likely suffer various oral health conditions. Ensure to provide an alternative for healthy foods and snacks to counter their cravings for sweetened food.