As promised – healthy food and drink for a healthy smile
Last week’s email was more like the typical you email you can expect from your dentist, telling you all the things you should be careful about eating and drinking.
Apologies for that, but I promise I only want what’s best for you!
(If you missed that one, you can catch up here.)
The good news is that last week I promised a more positive communication this week, focusing on all the good things you can be consuming to nourish your smile.
Here are some of the foods you can consume to boost your oral health:
Dairy
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt (without added sugar) are excellent for your teeth, because they’re rich in calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong teeth and bones – it fortifies tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Cheese, is great at helping to lower the acid levels in your mouth, reducing the possibility of cavities, and in addition, dairy products contain casein, a protein that strengthens enamel and helps repair damaged areas.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Apples, carrots, and celery, and other fruit and veg that are crunchy and high in water content are great for your teeth.
As they need lots of chewing, they stimulate saliva production, which is essential for neutralising acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and for washing away food particles.
Apples, often referred to as “nature’s toothbrush,” can help scrub your teeth clean while you eat them. Carrots and celery also have the added benefit of being high in fibre, which is good for your overall health.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are high in calcium, folic acid, and various vitamins that contribute to oral health.
Calcium helps to strengthen tooth enamel and folic acid is particularly important for maintaining healthy gums, so including a generous serving of leafy greens in your diet can definitely help support a healthy oral regime.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another excellent choice for maintaining dental health, because they’re rich in essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help to strengthen teeth.
Almonds, for instance, are a great source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. Walnuts contain a variety of nutrients, including fibre, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, zinc, and niacin.
Chewing nuts also stimulates saliva production, which helps protect against tooth decay.
Fish and Lean Proteins
Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, and other lean proteins are rich in phosphorus and omega-3 fatty acids. Phosphorus is a mineral that plays a critical role in the maintenance and repair of tooth enamel, while omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of gum disease.
Eggs
Eggs are a versatile and nutrient-dense food that can benefit your oral health. They’re an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, helping to build and maintain strong teeth.
Tea
While excessive consumption can stain your teeth, moderate amounts, especially green and black tea, can be beneficial. Tea contains polyphenols, which are compounds that can reduce the growth of bacteria in your mouth, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. Green tea, in particular, has antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote overall oral health.
Water
Don’t forget this one! Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean. Drinking fluoridated water can also help strengthen your teeth and prevent decay. Staying hydrated ensures that your body can produce enough saliva, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.
So there you go, I’m not all doom and gloom! Incorporate these into your diet, as well as a good brushing and flossing regime and limitation of the food and drink I mentioned last week and you’ll give yourself the best chance of a happy, healthy mouth!
Ketan
