Did you know the quality of our diet and our oral health are closely linked?
Diet is considered to be one of the main factors that cause tooth decay and enamel wear. Poor nutrition also affects the development of teeth, as well as predisposing us to periodontal disease and oral cancer. Regularly adding the following 10 foods to our daily diet will help us stay away from dangerous oral diseases:
- Milk and dairy products such as butter, cheese, yogurt
Dairy products contain proteins and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are two of the main structural components of teeth and play an important role in maintaining our teeth.
- Tofu and plant-based milk such as corn milk, black sesame milk, peanut milk…
Tofu is naturally high in protein and like cheese, it contains a lot of calcium. Tofu is also high in magnesium – another structural component necessary for the normal functioning of teeth 6, 7. Plant-based milk exist often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
- Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth.
- Meat and seafood such as shrimp, crab, fish…
Both meat and seafood are excellent sources of protein. Red meat and fish are also high in fatty acids and vitamin D which are beneficial for our oral health. Seafood also brings essential fluoride to the teeth. Other sources of fluoride include water and black tea.
- Berries like strawberries, blueberries…and citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits…
These are all fruits rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen formation for the normal function of teeth and gums
- Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, cabbage..
Green vegetables like kale, spinach, and cabbage contain a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin A, all of which are essential for a healthy smile.
- Carrots, peppers, and sweet potatoes
Yellow, orange, red, and green fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of Vitamin A in the form of β-carotene.
- Whole grains like bread, oats, quinoa…
Whole grains such as bread, rice, buckwheat, quinoa, rye, oats, and cereals are high in fiber. It is thought that fiber can reduce sugar absorption and stimulate salivation, which helps wash away acids and food particles.
- Nuts like macadamia, walnut, chestnut…
Nuts are high in protein and unsaturated fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and phosphorus. Nuts are also one of the foods that stimulate saliva production due to the mechanical action of chewing.
- Sugar substitutes such as stevia, aspartame, erythritol…and sugar-free food
Sugar is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay, and cutting it out of our diets in places can be a really simple way to reduce the risk of tooth decay. We can opt for sugar substitutes like stevia, aspartame, erythritol, and mannitol. In addition, chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps the mouth to produce saliva and neutralize the acids left after eating.
(Original post: https://www.dentalhealth.org/top-10-foods-to-keep-your-dentist-happy)
