Food for better oral health

Team Udayavani, Nov 11, 2021, 11:56 AM IST

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Every other week, a new diet fad develops, promising a healthier way of life or quick weight loss. Every day, thousands of consumers flock to their local supermarket in search of diet smoothies and “organic” vegetables. For both aesthetic and health reasons, society has a strong desire to keep their bodies fit and healthy.

The issue is that few people consider how the food they consume impacts every element of their bodies. They think about lipids and proteins, but not about the effects of acidic foods on their teeth. The state of one’s teeth has an impact on one’s general health. People need to learn more about which foods are good for their teeth and which are bad.

They say you are what you consume. And there’s no better place to do so than in your mouth. This is because a variety of foods and beverages can develop plaque, which can cause serious damage to your teeth. Plaque is a bacterial-filled, sticky film that causes gum disease and tooth decay. When you eat a sugary snack or meal, sugars cause bacteria to produce acids that erode tooth enamel. As the enamel deteriorates, cavities can occur.

What should you eat to keep your mouth healthy?

• Fluoridated drinking water, as well as any fluoridated water-based product, is beneficial to your teeth. This includes powdered juices (as long as they don’t include a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups. Commercially prepared meals, such as chicken, seafood, and powdered cereals, contain fluoride.
• Unsweetened black and green teas contain plaque-fighting compounds. Lean protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, and tofu, include phosphorus and protein, which help to maintain teeth healthy. Almonds are good for your teeth since they contain a lot of calcium and protein while being low in sugar.
• Chewing sugar-free gum is another good saliva generator that aids in the removal of food particles from the mouth.