In this blog from Aloe Dental Wellness, we explain a teeth-healthy diet.
It’s No Surprise: Calcium Strengthens Your Teeth And Bones
Consuming calcium is crucial for strengthening the protective enamel of your teeth and maintaining strong and healthy jaw bones. Dairy products, like milk and cheese, are a common source of calcium. Research indicates that aged cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, and cheddar can increase saliva production, aiding in the removal of food particles from the tooth surface. Probiotics found in yogurt and other cultured dairy products can help balance the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth and digestive tract.
If you are lactose-intolerant, there are still numerous options for obtaining calcium. You can try yogurt, kefir, tofu, lactose-free milk, and calcium-fortified milk alternatives. Salmon with bones and canned sardines not only provide calcium but also contain Vitamin D.
Don’t Forget Vitamin D
To ensure proper absorption of calcium-rich foods, it is important to consider Vitamin D. Foods such as eggs, sardines, salmon, and mackerel are rich in Vitamin D, which facilitates calcium absorption. Additionally, spending time outdoors in the sunshine can be another source of Vitamin D.
For those without allergies, nuts like almonds and peanuts can provide beneficial amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Moreover, nuts contribute to dental health as they are rich in essential elements such as calcium and phosphorus. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are particularly effective in fighting bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Choose Fresh Fruits And Veggies Over Dried Fruit And Fruit Leather
Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the top choices for promoting dental health due to their nutritional value and oral benefits. Opting for crunchy fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can effectively eliminate plaque and freshen breath.
A multitude of fruits and vegetables contain abundant antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin C, which safeguards gums and other tissues against cellular damage and bacterial infections. Strawberries, in particular, are a great source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and malic acid, which can naturally contribute to teeth whitening. To ensure a well-rounded intake of vitamin C, incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and cucumbers into your diet.
Unfortunately, snacks like fruit snacks, dried fruit, and fruit leather possess a sticky and sugary texture that clings to teeth. On the other hand, fresh fruits and vegetables contain a high water content that helps dilute natural sugars during consumption. Additionally, the act of chewing on crisp fresh fruits and vegetables is believed to scrape away plaque from teeth and stimulate the production of beneficial saliva.
Cut Down On Sugary Drinks And Foods
To safeguard your teeth against cavities, it is advisable to reduce your intake of sticky candies and other sugary treats that contain high levels of refined sugar. Examples of such sweets include lollipops, cough drops, and caramels. Additionally, foods that are rich in starch, like potato chips and soft bread products, have a tendency to become lodged between teeth.
Carbonated soft drinks have the potential to erode the protective enamel of your teeth, so it is worth considering the use of a straw when consuming them. Alcohol can contribute to dryness in the mouth, leading to increased plaque formation and an elevated risk of tooth decay. Overconsumption of sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and nutritionally deficient snacks can also heighten the likelihood of developing tooth decay. It is reassuring to know that tooth decay, although a common dental issue, is entirely preventable.
Additional Teeth-Healthy Food And Drink Choices
For optimal dental health, it is recommended to choose lean protein when consuming meat. Oily fish, such as salmon, and tofu are excellent sources of phosphorus, a vital mineral that safeguards tooth enamel. Most meats contain essential nutrients mentioned earlier, and the act of chewing meat promotes saliva production. Increased saliva production is advantageous as it helps reduce mouth acidity and rinses away food particles that can contribute to tooth decay.
An interesting fact is that both green and black tea contain a substance called polyphenol. Polyphenol possesses the ability to eliminate plaque bacteria, impede its growth, and consequently disrupt the production of acid by these bacteria, which can attack your teeth.
Choose Aloe Dental Wellness For All Your Dentistry Needs
At Aloe Dental Wellness, you can expect the very best in dental care with Dr. Daniela Cadavid. Before your appointment, you can expect to enjoy soothing music and fresh coffee, tea, and water in our relaxing patient lounge. Our office is a child-friendly, family-oriented environment, and we pride ourselves on the ability to make patients of all ages comfortable.
Dr. Cadavid is glad to offer a brand-new office equipped with the latest technology and services in both English and Spanish to UCSB students and staff, as well as the surrounding communities. Aloe Dental Wellness in Santa Barbara County is proud to provide general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry services to meet the needs of your entire family as well. For an appointment, call us at 805-454-7727 today.
