When examining the food intake, a person is very likely to think of the way it affects his/her health, body weight, and can provide energy to a person. Do you ever imagine how teeth are affected by diet? Eating well will also strengthen and make the gums as well as the teeth healthier. Your teeth start to deteriorate or stay healthy as soon as you chew something. This article will talk of five relevant ways that diet impacts on your oral health and how eating healthier can make you smile brighter and healthier.
Sugar and Acid: The Biggest Threats to Your Teeth
When people refer to tooth decay, they do talk about sugar, and with good cause. When you consume sweet foodstuffs such as sweets, pastries and soda, the bacteria present in your mouth consumes the sugar and produces acid as faeces. This acid targets the defensive enamel on your sparkling whites which is the tough outer protective layer on your teeth. This causes cavities and damage. Soft drinks and citrus fruits, though they may not be sweet may dissolve the tooth enamel since they are acidic food. You are not supposed to avoid eating such foods, but upon being watchful of the amount of such foods you consume and by rinsing your mouth with water after consuming such foods, you would have avoided trouble with your teeth.
The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D in Strong Teeth
Vitamin D and calcium are beneficial to your teeth and bones. Calcium strengthens tooth enamels, whereas vitamin D assists the body in the absorption of calcium and keeps bones healthy. Without these nutrients, chances of your teeth rotting and of your gums developing disease increase. Dairy products are an example of foods which provide calcium in form of milk, cheese and yoghurt. Fish which is fatty, egg yolks, and food which has been fortified can be a source of vitamin D. In case you are lactose-intolerant or vegan, you can prepare numerous plant-based meals and supplements that will provide you with all the nutrients you require.
Hydration and Saliva Production
When you consider dental health, you may not think of being hydrated, but it is actually very critical. Water assists in the production of saliva that is the natural cleanser in your mouth. Saliva does not only assist in food breakdown, but it neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and clean food particles as well as carries out disease fighting compounds to the mouth. Lack of sufficient water or excessive amounts of coffee or alcohol depresses the production of saliva in the body. This may result in dry mouth that increases chances of developing cavities, bad breath and gum diseases. Consuming a lot of water on a daily basis is one of the most simple and great choices you can make to promote the health of your gums and teeth.
The Hidden Impact of Snacking and Meal Frequency
The quantity of what you eat is not the only thing that matters, but also the frequency. You need to watch your snacking because your teeth are constantly under acids attack, and if you drink sugary beverages throughout the day, then your enamel cannot repair easily. When taken repeatedly, even healthy snacks, such as dried fruit or granola, will harm your health because they contain much sugar and can adhere to teeth. As alternatives, do not chew too much and allow your body some time between meals to do its job of neutralizing acid and regenerating enamel. Having balanced meals will also make you avoid craving to snack too much, something that will save your teeth in the long term.
Dental Health and Professional Support
Even when you are eating well you should still visit the dentist at regular intervals. An experienced dentist is able to detect signs of gum disease or tooth decay early on in its development and offer you certain tips on changing your diet to tackle your oral problem. As an example, such clinics as iSmile Dental emphasize the importance of nutrition in their educational work to explain to people the impact of what they choose to eat on their teeth. The most effective option to keep your teeth and gums fit over a longer period of time is to visit the dentist regularly and to adhere to a proper diet.
Conclusion
Your teeth are not simply chewing tools, but they are living substances that should be nourished, safeguarded, and must have the right food to nourish them hence making them strong. The kind of stuff you consume daily directly influences your teeth. Avoiding candy, taking calcium and lots of water makes your teeth more workable and friendlier to your dentist. By just making slight changes to your diet today, you may not have problems visiting the dentist tomorrow. It is something to rejoice about.
Sources
https://www.myismiledental.com/
https://www.dentalhealth.org/the-role-of-hydration-in-oral-health