As the years go by, many of us begin taking steps to improve our health so we can live to old age in comfort. One frequently overlooked element during this consideration is our oral health. We think about how to lose weight, reduce our cholesterol, and even how to help our bones last longer. Like any other bodily system, our teeth require a particular set of nutrients to stay strong and healthy while fighting off decay. Making good dietary choices can often be difficult, but with a little care, it can be both delicious and rewarding.
Proper Dental Hygiene And A Thoughtful Diet
Thorough consideration of what you consume can help maintain overall health and can even specifically help your teeth. Within your mouth can be found an entire ecosystem of bacteria, both harmful and helpful. These bacteria and other conditions affecting our mouths can be indicators of health concerns elsewhere in the body. The one prominently responsible for causing tooth decay is Streptococcus mutans. While we cannot eliminate this bacteria completely without damaging the entire ecosystem in our mouth, regular brushing and a good diet can help keep them under control.
It all starts with maintaining a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, but there’s more you can do than that. Ensuring that you get certain vitamins and minerals in your diet will keep your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues healthy and vibrant. Conversely, failing to maintain good oral health can have consequences that range from tooth decay to heart disease.
Tooth Healthy Dietary Additions
It’s no secret that carbohydrates represent the worst culprits when it comes to foods that can damage our teeth, second only to acidic foods. The sugars found within carbohydrates convert into sugar, which the bacteria in our mouths feed on to produce acid. This acid weakens the enamel, ultimately leading to its decay. StatPearls provides information about the complex system that is digestion and nutrition. A healthy diet for teeth would include elements of the following:
- Eating Foods High In Vitamin D, A, and C
- Focus on Dairy Products with High Calcium
- Drink Fluoridated Water
- Lean Proteins and Low-Fat Meals
- High Fiber Vegetables and Fruits
Other steps you can take involve avoiding highly processed foods or those that are high in sugar. Doing so will keep you safe from damage from sugar-based decay, as well as improving your overall health by eliminating processed foods. Learn more from your dentist.
