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For a teeth-healthy diet and a healthier smile, read these suggestions from La Jolla Dental Image.
What Are The Best Foods For A Teeth-Healthy Diet?
- Fresh Fruits And Veggies
- Foods Rich In Calcium And Vitamin D
- To Avoid Cavities, Reduce Your Sugar Intake
How Fresh Fruits And Veggies Support Your Oral Health
Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the top choices for promoting dental health due to their nutritional value and positive effects on oral well-being. Opting for crunchy fruits and raw vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can aid in plaque removal and provide a refreshing breath.
Numerous fruits and vegetables are abundant in antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which safeguard the gums and other tissues against cellular damage and bacterial infections. Strawberries, for instance, are not only rich in vitamin C and antioxidants but also contain malic acid, which naturally contributes to teeth whitening. Including a variety of vitamin C-rich fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as apples, pears, strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and cucumbers, is essential.
On the flip side, it is important to note that certain fruit snacks, dried fruits, and fruit leather possess a sticky and sugary texture that can cling to teeth. However, fresh fruits and vegetables have a high water content, which helps dilute the natural sugars during consumption. Moreover, the act of chewing on crunchy fresh fruits and vegetables is believed to scrape away plaque from teeth and stimulate the production of beneficial saliva.
How Calcium And Vitamin D Strengthens Your Teeth
Consuming calcium-rich foods is essential for strengthening the protective enamel of your teeth and maintaining strong and healthy jaw bones. Dairy products, including milk and cheese, are a common source of calcium. Studies have indicated that aged cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, and cheddar can stimulate saliva production, aiding in the removal of food particles from the tooth surface. Yogurt and other cultured dairy products contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that counterbalance the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and digestive tract.
To ensure proper absorption of calcium, it is important to incorporate Vitamin D into your diet. Foods such as eggs, sardines, salmon, and mackerel are rich in Vitamin D, which facilitates calcium absorption. Another natural source of Vitamin D is spending time outdoors in the sunshine.
If you are lactose-intolerant, there are still plenty of calcium-rich options available. These include yogurt, kefir, tofu, lactose-free milk, and milk alternatives fortified with calcium. Salmon with bones and canned sardines are not only excellent sources of calcium but also provide Vitamin D.
For individuals without allergies, nuts like almonds and peanuts can provide both calcium and Vitamin D. Additionally, nuts contribute to dental health due to their abundance of essential elements, including calcium and phosphorus. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are particularly beneficial as they help combat bacteria that cause tooth decay.
To Avoid Cavities, Reduce Your Sugar Intake
To protect your teeth against cavities, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of sticky candies and other sugary treats that contain high levels of refined sugar, such as lollipops, cough drops, and caramels. Foods that are rich in starch, such as potato chips and soft bread products, have a tendency to get trapped between teeth.
Carbonated soft drinks have the potential to erode the protective enamel of teeth, so using a straw can be a helpful measure. Alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth, which can contribute to increased plaque formation and a higher risk of tooth decay. Overindulging in sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, or non-nutritious snacks may put you at a greater risk of developing tooth decay. Fortunately, tooth decay is a common dental issue that can be entirely prevented.
More Ways To Stay Teeth-Healthy
For optimal dental health, it is recommended to opt for lean protein sources when consuming meat. Oily fish, such as salmon, and tofu are excellent choices as they are rich in phosphorus, a vital mineral that helps safeguard tooth enamel. Most types of meat offer a range of essential nutrients mentioned earlier, and the act of chewing meat stimulates saliva production. Adequate saliva flow is advantageous as it reduces mouth acidity and assists in the removal of 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, inhibit its growth, and consequently impede the production of acid by these bacteria, which can be harmful to your teeth.
La Jolla Dental Image Is Your Cosmetic And Restorative Expert
Since 2006, our dentist and La Jolla Dental Image team have provided quality, individualized dental care to help you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. We offer a full range of cosmetic and restorative dental services, so do not hesitate to give us a call if you wonder if you could benefit from either type of treatment.
La Jolla Dental Image is also proud to offer general and family dentistry services. To keep your dental and oral health in top condition, it is important to visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and check-ups. If you are experiencing a toothache, have symptoms of dental erosion, or would like to improve your smile with general, restorative, emergency, or cosmetic dental treatments, La Jolla Dental Image in La Jolla, CA is here to help with the latest technology, innovations, and procedures. To make an appointment with Dr. Wali Hamidy, please call 858-202-0481.