Our teeth are important for more reasons than for just giving us a beautiful smile. Poor dental hygiene can damage the teeth and lead to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and can contribute to other health problems, including cardiovascular disease. While most people know that brushing and flossing their teeth daily and visiting the dentist regularly helps to keep teeth healthy, they may not know the role of foods in oral health.
Foods to Limit
Foods that are high in sugar, such as cakes and lollies, decrease the mouths PH level which creates the perfect environment for tooth decay. Consuming sugary foods throughout the day exposes teeth to lower pH levels for longer, which means there is more time for tooth decay to occur. Hence, avoiding frequent snacking of sugary foods is one way to help prevent tooth decay.
Foods high in starch, such as potatoes and bread, can also be problematic as starch is broken down into sugar. This is why it is important to always rinse out the mouth with water following a meal and brushing the teeth at least twice a day.
But it isn’t just the sugar in foods that poses a threat. Drinking soft drinks, fruit juices and cordials also promotes tooth decay due to the high amount of sugar they contain. These drinks also contain large amounts of acid, which can erode teeth.
Good Foods for Healthy Teeth
Eating adequate amounts of low fat dairy products are high in calcium and other minerals that help strengthen teeth. Even better news is that these foods can help repair damaged tooth enamel.
Apples, celery and carrots are also good choices for tooth health as they increase saliva production which helps to neutralize harmful bacteria. These foods are also a great alternative to sugary snacks such as cereal bars and chocolate.
Research has shown that a diet low in Vitamin C may increase the risk of developing dental diseases. According to the Institute of Medicine, an orange a day provides enough Vitamin C to promote oral health.
By enjoying a healthy well balanced diet and maintaining good oral hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
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Tags: Calcium, oral hygiene, smiles, teeth, tooth decay
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I have adopted a healthy diet to help clean my teeth as well as keep my in shape. I have found that crunchy vegatables work well in whitening teeth. Also i have discovered that adding a little green tea without sugar to your diet can help imporve gum and tooth health. Great information and site!