Oral Hygiene And The Importance Of Nutrition

The first and foremost item on the health list is wholesome sound nutritional diet

. The saying goes you are what you eat and that it so true. If you want to stay healthy and well then you need to take in essential vitamins and minerals daily and this is not done by taking this and that vitamin supplement it is purely by eating a well balanced diet that contain lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

It is a known fact that the foods that maintain the bones and muscles also maintain the teeth and gums. Foods such as whole cereals and whole grain breads are rich in vitamin B and fresh fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C which promotes healthy gum tissue. Foods such as fish, poultry and lean meats contain magnesium and zinc which build healthy teeth.

Nashville dentists recommend that one should brush their teeth after each meal and before retiring in the evening and that flossing should be done at least once a day preferably in the evening. Should one have signs of gum disease or recession flossing is recommended after each meal.

It has been stated by a Nashville dentist that there are certain foods that protect against cavities as fluoride is a primary protector against tooth decay as it makes the surface of the teeth more resistant to acid during the process of re-mineralization and drinking fluoride water is recommended as well as using good fluoride toothpastes. However food products such as milk and cheese which are rich in minerals encourage re-mineralization.

The Nashville dentists further states that all foods increase saliva production and that saliva is a buffer chemical that helps to stabilize the pH balance in the mouth. Foods that have a high fibre content also helps to increase the flow of saliva as well as sugar free dental chewing gum which stimulates saliva production as well as helps clean the surface of the teeth.

The most nutritional and beneficial foods that maintain healthy teeth and gums are milk and yoghurt as they have a low acidic content and a high content of calcium which builds teeth and bones. Green tea is excellent as it contains fluoride as well as polyphenols antioxidant which reduces plaque and cavities. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and phosphate which balances the pH in the mouth and builds tooth enamel, kills bacteria and produces saliva.

Vitamin C build new cells and a lack of vitamin C will cause a breakdown of cells making one susceptible to gum disease. Most fresh fruits contain vitamin C. Onions that are eaten raw contain an antibacterial sulphur which kills harmful bacteria. The Nashville dentist states that raw celery produces saliva which neutralizes bacteria and at the same time massages the gums. Any crunchy vegetable helps to clean the gums.

Foods that need to be avoided and that are known to cause cavities are cooked starches, carbohydrates, sucrose, fructose and maltose. Sticky foods should be avoided as they stick to the teeth for long periods of time which causes an acid build up. For more information contact you nearest Nashville dentist with regards to nutrition and oral hygiene.

by: Jesse Kemmerer

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