It’s quite common to hear about how brushing your teeth, flossing, regular dental check-up, and other healthy habits have a massive impact on maintaining oral hygiene and health. However, such acts are not the only factors here; what you consume daily also play an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and good oral hygiene.
What is the structure of a tooth?
Let us look at the structure of a tooth and their respective compositions and roles so we can consider the most advantageous food items to maintain strong and healthy teeth. A tooth is made up of 3 important parts:
Enamel – This is the visible part of a tooth that covers the crown. It protects the innermost parts of a tooth and is made up of calcium and phosphorous.
Dentin – This layer is beneath the enamel, and is mostly composed of calcium.
Pulp – This is the living part of a tooth which contains nerves and blood vessels that transport nutrients to the tooth.
It is important that you visit the dentist twice a year to check on the status of your teeth. Pearl Dental is one of the best family dentist in Burlington that can guide you on dental hygiene and much more.
Below are some foods to maintain healthy teeth:
1. Cheese
Many people profess their love for cheese. Not only is it great in taste, but beneficial for teeth too. Eating cheese raises the PH in the mouth which helps to slow down tooth decay. Cheese is also rich in calcium and protein, which helps strengthen the tooth enamel.
2. Yogurt
Similar to cheese, yogurt too is rich in calcium and protein. The probiotics found in the bacteria in yogurt is beneficial for the gums.
3. Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, cucumbers, and almonds scrape other food particles and bacteria away from teeth, hence serving as a cleansing mechanism.
4. Sugarless Gum
Chewing on sugarless gum creates saliva that washes away bacteria that result in the build-up of plaque.
5. Milk
Milk neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria. Vitamin D in milk assists to absorb calcium that helps keep teeth strong.
6. Leafy Green Vegetables
eafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are an excellent source of calcium and a type of vitamin B that could prevent gum disease in pregnant women.
7. Meat, Fish, and Tofu
Meat, fatty fish (like salmon), and tofu contain an abundance of phosphorus.
8. Tea
Polyphenols found in both black and green tea help slow down the growth of bacteria that can promote cavities and gum disease.
Conclusion:
It is important to note that along with the consumption of healthy food, avoiding sugary items such as fizzy drinks, candies, and foods that stain. Please note that smoking too is a factor that contributes to not only staining but bad breath as well.
To sum things up, no one would like to have to make extra trips to the dentist for concerns like gum disease, gingivitis, or cavities. It’s best to keep on the safe side and always follow proper oral hygiene habits.
