What you eat definitely impacts your teeth and gums. When you mainly eat sugary and starchy foods you are feeding the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease in your mouth. Bacteria can cause plaque, which is a thin, invisible, sticky film of bacteria and other materials. Plaque then covers all the surfaces of your teeth.
When sugars and starch in foods come in contact with plaque, it leads to the formation of acids. These acids attack your teeth after you finish eating for 20 minutes or longer. This, in turn, can break down the hard enamel on the surface of your teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
Also, the bacteria in plaque can trigger an inflammatory response. This can cause the breakdown of gums, bone, and other supporting structures of your teeth. Some foods cause tooth decay, while others are good for your teeth, gum, and overall oral health. Here are some best foods for healthy teeth and gums…
1.Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables: Foods rich in fibre can keep your gums and teeth clean. They also increase the amount of saliva present in your mouth. This, in turn, is your best natural defence against cavities and gum disease. Some of the vegetables and fruits include leafy greens, celery, carrots, onions, Shiitake mushrooms, apples, kiwis, and pears. These fruits are the best foods for healthy teeth and gums.
2.Dairy products: Cheese is another food that increases the production of saliva in the mouth. Cheese contains a lot of calcium and milk and other dairy products contain calcium and phosphates. This help put back minerals that your teeth may have lost due to other foods. Dairy products also help rebuild tooth enamel.
3.Green and black teas: Both these teas contain polyphenols that interact with the bacteria in plaque. These teas either kill or hold back bacteria. They prevent bacteria from growing or from creating acids that attack teeth. Also, depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, your cup of tea can also be a good source of fluoride.
4.Sugarless chewing gum: This also creates a lot of saliva in your mouth and removes food particles from your mouth.
5.Foods and water with fluoride: Fluoridated drinking water, or then any food with fluoride is good for your teeth and gums. These foods include powdered juices (without a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups. Foods that are commercially prepared, such as poultry products, seafood, and powdered cereals also contain fluoride.
6.Leafy greens: Vegetables such as spinach, kale, chard, or collard greens are full of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. If you don’t overindulge in dressings and dips for your vegetables, you can eat as much of these leafy green vegetables as you want. Leafy greens are high in folic acid, calcium, and B vitamins, which help both your teeth and your health. You can add these leafy greens to a smoothie or a salad.
7.Nuts and lean proteins: Certain nuts, such as almonds are great for your teeth because they are a great source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. Lean proteins, such as meat, fish, poultry, and tofu also contain phosphorus and protein and keep teeth healthy.
8.Water: Experts recommend drinking water rather than sugary beverages, such as juice or soda. Water washes away food particles and keeps saliva levels high. Saliva is your mouth’s best defence against tooth decay because it contains proteins and minerals that naturally fight plaque. Also, water can be fluoridated, which again helps teeth.
9.Foods rich in Vitamin D: While Vitamin D is crucial for your overall health, it is also very important for healthy teeth. This is because it helps your body absorb calcium better. Foods rich in Vitamin D are foods for strong teeth and gums.
10.Foods rich in Vitamin C: These foods are very powerful and help strengthen blood vessels and reduce inflammation. This in turn, helps your gums stay healthier. Vitamin C is also required for the production of collagen. The latter is a key protein that helps you fight periodontal disease. Without Vitamin C, your gums become more sensitive and susceptible to periodontal disease.
11.Ginger: This helps freshen your teeth and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Ginger is one of the best foods for healthy teeth and gums.
12.Whole grains: Consumption of whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice helps lower the risk of gum disease.
13.Red wine: A glass of red wine can have a strong antimicrobial effect against the bacteria that cause cavities.
14.Black coffee: Recent studies have shown that black coffee can actually fight plaque and can protect your teeth from tooth decay. However, the coffee needs to be black and unsweetened.
These are just some of the best foods for healthy teeth and gums. You should certainly consult your dentist and talk about these foods so that you can incorporate them into your diet as soon as possible.
At Vistadent, the Orthodontic Multispeciality Clinic, we work closely with our clients to ensure their overall oral health. We will help you eat the foods that are best for you and will also schedule regular sessions to clean and look after your teeth. We will also ensure that you take care of your teeth and gums in the best way possible.
So, the next time, you need to consult with a dentist, do visit Vistadent, and experience a holistic consultation with your dentist which will make you certain that you have made the right choice!
For more information about the best foods for your teeth and gums or any other dental problems, as well as other dental procedures, contact Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, at 040-40247421 or +91 9866572482 or at info@vistadent.net or visit our website at http://vistadent.net/.