Want strong teeth? Here's what you should and shouldn't eat
Your mouth is the first gateway that your food (and thus all your nutrition) passes through. That is why, it becomes crucial to pay special attention to your diet. While some food items may improve your dental well-being, others might corrode your tooth. Here are the best and worst food items for your teeth, and some simple oral health tips you should follow.
First things first, drink plenty of water
Quite like saliva, water also helps wash sugars and acids off your teeth. Plus, it contains fluoride, a mineral often found in toothpastes and mouthwashes, as it protects against tooth erosion. What's more? Drinking enough water is anyway great for your digestion and overall functioning. Aim to gulp at least 8-12 glasses of water on a regular basis to stay healthy.
Foods to eat: Dairy and strawberries
Dairy: Milk and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt happen to be some of the best sources of calcium, which is essential for strengthening tooth enamel. Strawberries: This tasty summer fruit contains malic acid, a natural enamel whitener. Try applying its pulp on your teeth using a toothbrush before washing off. You could also enjoy a strawberry shake, from time to time.
High-fiber foods and sugarless gum
High fiber foods: Since fiber-rich foods such as leafy green veggies require a lot of chewing, they help generate saliva, which in turn cleanses your teeth and protects against cavities and gum diseases. Sugarless gum: Sugarless gums help stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, thereby washing away acids and bacteria, and giving you stronger, whiter and healthier teeth.
Foods to avoid: Citrus and candies
Citrus: Sure citrus fruits (oranges, lemon, grapefruit) and their juice are great in taste, but their acidic content can erode the enamel, thus leading to tooth decay. Hence, eliminate or reduce your consumption. Candies: It shouldn't come off as a surprise that candy is bad for teeth. They tend to stick to or in between your teeth for long, thus paving way for bacteria.
Alcohol and Carbonated drinks
Alcohol: Any food that dries out your mouth is bad for your teeth. No points for guessing, alcohol happens to be one of those. By taking away the saliva, alcohol consumption puts your teeth at risk of decay and disease. Carbonated drinks: Little good has ever come from drinking too much soda. These drinks stain teeth, and produce excessive acid, thereby attacking tooth enamel.
Here are some tips to maintain good oral health
Follow these simple tips for good oral health: 1) Thoroughly brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes twice every 24 hours. 2) Regularly use floss and a fluoridated toothpaste. 3) Don't overuse your teeth. They aren't meant for opening bottle tops or cracking open nuts. 4) Regularly use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. 5) If you experience pain or other issues in your teeth, see your dentist.
