Consuming a healthy diet is important for more than just a healthy digestive or immune system. It also plays a very important role in your oral health as well. The things you eat and drink can help keep your teeth healthy and pain free well into your elder years.
1. Eat the Things Your Teeth are Made Of
If you want healthy teeth and bones, you have to supply your body with the base components that make them up. Believe it or not, your teeth can be remineralized, meaning that the enamel that is damaged by acids can grow back. The remineralization process cannot occur without these essential building blocks:
Bones and teeth are made of calcium and phosphates. Vitamin D boosts the effectiveness of phosphorus and helps the body absorb calcium. Magnesium increases the body's absorption rate of phosphorus. Many foods are naturally high in these minerals.
2. Consume Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Milk and cheese are great for dental health because they contain calcium and phosphorus. Milk has the proper balance of both of these minerals. If you are lactose intolerant, go for popular dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk.
Another delicious way to get the vitamins and minerals without the lactose found in milk is to try fermented dairy products. Kefir milk is lactose-free due to the fermenting process. Fermented food is also full of healthy probiotics that help digestion and overall health.
3. Eat Dark, Leafy Greens
Kale, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens are high in calcium and low in phosphorus. This is important because too much phosphorus is toxic. Dietary guidelines suggest 700 mg of phosphorus for the average adult. A modern diet with plenty of meat and junk food may contain too much phosphorus and not enough calcium. Dark greens are a good way to ensure you have enough calcium to accompany the phosphorus.
4. Enjoy Crisp Fruit and Vegetables
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help create a healthy environment in your mouth. Tooth decay is caused by sugar and acid sitting in your mouth. Crisp fruit and vegetables have a high water content, helping to rinse any acids and sugars naturally.
The key to healthy teeth and gums is eating right and seeing your orthodontist regularly. Eating certain foods will provide your body with the components necessary to maintain healthy teeth and bones. A dentist or orthodontist like John C. Matunas D.D.S., PA will let you know if you are consuming too much or too little of these foods.
Share30 January 2015
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.