Did you know the quality of our diet and oral health are inextricably linked?

Diet is considered one of the main factors causing tooth decay and enamel wear. Poor nutrition also affects the development of teeth, as well as prone to periodontal diseases and oral cancer. Regular addition of the following 10 foods to our daily diet will help us stay away from dangerous dental diseases:

1. 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 our teeth and play an important role in the maintenance of our teeth.

2. Tofu and plant-based milks such as corn milk, black sesame milk, peanut milk…

Tofu is naturally high in protein and just 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 is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

3. Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth.

4. 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 that are beneficial for our oral health. Seafood also brings fluoride needed for teeth. Other sources of fluoride include water and black tea.

5. Berries like strawberries, blueberries… and citrus fruits such as 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

6. Green leafy vegetables such as 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 necessary for a healthy smile.

7. 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.

8. Whole grains such as 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 acid and food debris.

9. Nuts such as macca, walnuts, chestnuts …

Nutsare 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 salivation due to mechanical action when chewing.

10. Sugar substitutes such as stevia, aspartame, erythritol… and unsweetened foods

Sugar is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay and cutting it off from our diet in places can be a really simple way to minimize the risk of tooth decay. We can opt for sugar substitutes such as stevia, aspartame, erythritol and mannitol. In addition, chewing sugar-free gum after a meal helps the mouth salivate and neutralize the acids left over after eating.

(original article: https://www.dentalhealth.org/top-10-foods-to-keep-your-dentist-happy)