What to eat to have strong and healthy teeth?
It has been known for a long time that a balanced diet rich in appropriate nutrients and minerals promotes health and has a significant impact on the proper functioning of the entire body, including the teeth and gums. A proper diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grain products, while simultaneously caring for the teeth, significantly reduces the occurrence of diseases such as cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and their derivatives.
Dairy
Cheese – is one of the best foods for healthy teeth for at least several reasons. First, it is low in sugar and high in calcium. It contains casein, which is a protein particularly useful for strengthening tooth enamel. Cheese is rich in calcium, which is important for maintaining bone density. Cheese is also high in phosphates, which helps balance the pH level in the mouth (having a direct impact on tooth enamel). Another important reason why cheese is a friend to our teeth is that chewing it increases saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria from the mouth.
Milk – is rich in calcium and other important elements. Milk, just like cheese, lowers the acid levels in the mouth, which helps fight cavities.
Yogurt – is rich in calcium and probiotics, which protect against cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. Yogurts and cheeses protect teeth from demineralization.
Whole grain bread
Cereal grains contain phosphorus, which is essential for the proper mineralization of teeth. Eating wholemeal bread increases saliva production, which protects the teeth by washing away food debris attached to them. It is rich in magnesium, which prevents the development of tooth decay.
Celery, carrots and other “crunchy vegetables”
Raw vegetables have a positive effect on teeth. Kohlrabi, carrots, radishes, and celery, when eaten raw, perfectly clean the surface of the teeth. Also, all kinds of "crunchy foods" are excellent natural means for cleaning them, as they stimulate the flow of saliva, which helps to remove food particles and bacteria. Fresh, crunchy vegetables contain many important minerals and vitamins needed for the proper, natural maintenance of oral hygiene.
Leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, kale)
Healthy, leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, and many important vitamins and minerals. Fresh, green leafy vegetables also help in cleaning teeth.
Fruit - apples and pears
Eating apples or other firm fibrous fruits can help clean your teeth and increase saliva production, which helps neutralize the acid left behind after eating them. And while sweet apple juice can contribute to tooth decay, fresh apples are recommended in the daily diet - chewing the fibrous texture of apples stimulates the gums, further reducing the bacteria responsible for the development of cavities. Unlike many other acidic fruits, fresh pears are good at neutralizing acids in the mouth.
Fish
They contain three important ingredients: calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. The proper calcium-phosphate metabolism in the body and, consequently, the appropriate condition of the teeth depend primarily on them. Fish are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the body and support the absorption of calcium. This is precisely why people who eat fish often usually have strong and healthy teeth.
Green tea
Due to its high fluoride content (a glass of tea provides up to 0.2 mg of this element), tea strengthens enamel and hinders the formation of plaque. It helps fight tooth decay and periodontal diseases.
Water
Drinking properly mineralized water helps maintain healthy teeth - especially if it is fluoridated. Drinking fluoridated water is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to prevent tooth decay. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps saliva levels high.
