subject: A Better Diet For A Healthy Smile This Fall Season [print this page] The foods that you eat significantly affect the health of your mouth not only by building healthier teeth and gums, but also by helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. So take a bite out of this - certain foods can help build stronger teeth and healthier gums. A healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats will benefit your overall oral health. There are even a few standout foods and nutrients that can really boost your oral health as well.
Calcium and Your Teeth
Your mom has always been right - drinking milk builds strong bones and teeth. Calcium is vital throughout childhood and through your teenage years, when teeth are formed, but the value of calcium does not end when your wisdom teeth grow in. A diet that is rich with calcium may help to prevent tooth decay, but when a diet is low in calcium, as a majority of American diets are, the body takes that mineral from teeth and bones. The lack in calcium in a diet can then increase your risk of developing tooth decay and the incidence of cavities.
The jawbone appears to be particularly susceptible to the effects of low calcium, as it can weaken because of low calcium intake. A weakened jawbone can cause teeth to loosen, leaving you at a greater risk for gum disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends women younger than 50 to maintain a daily dosage of 1,000 mg of calcium, as well as men of any age. For women over 50, the recommended calcium intake increases to 1,200 mg. Calcium can be found in dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt. It can also be found in fish, including sardines with bones and salmon, as well as in some vegetables, including kale and broccoli.
Your Teeth and Vitamin C
The body requires vitamin C to repair connective tissue and help the body to fight off infection. By taking at least the minimum recommendation of 60 mg of calcium per day, you can help prevent gingivitis from occurring. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal diseases, and it causes the gums to become red from inflammation, swelling and bleeding easily. Eating one piece of citrus fruit, such as oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, or kiwi daily will help meet the recommended dosage for vitamin C.
Other Foods and Drinks
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, celery, and carrots, are excellent for your teeth. The crisp texture acts as a detergent on teeth, wiping away bacteria that can cause plaque. Not to mention, these foods require a lot of chewing, which helps to increase the production of bacteria-neutralizing saliva.
Drinking plenty of water can also benefit your teeth. It helps rinse away both bacteria and the remnants of food that bacteria turns into plaque. Tap water is typically better for your teeth than bottled water because it contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Brush your teeth twice a day using either a manual or power toothbrush, and remember to visit your Encino dentist at least twice a year for dental checkups and cleanings. A healthy diet is key to the health of your gums and teeth - don't hesitate to begin a healthy regimen today.
