It’s no secret that the food we eat can have an effect on our teeth and gums, but the full extent to which this is the case isn’t something that everyone is aware of. Poor nutrition can have an effect on our entire bodies, from deficiencies of vitamins and minerals that we need to function to the strength at which our muscles, bones, organs and, of course, our mouths function and as a result, having a good, balanced diet can make a world of difference. However, with so many of us still seeking out emergency dentist London and local services, understanding what we should be eating and what we should be taking care with is a must. We’re exploring further, below.
Are There Foods I Should Be Avoiding?
With so many foods necessary to providing a balanced diet, determining which foods you should ideally avoid isn’t always as simple as providing a clear-cut list. While we could tell you to avoid sugar and remove acidic foods from your diet completely, you’d quickly find that your body is missing something it needs.
Nevertheless, for the most part, processed sugars are a no-go, with the likes of fizzy drinks, sweets and candies and anything else artificially sweet being good things to start taking with extreme moderation. If you find yourself craving something sugary, why not opt for fruits? Grains can also give you the sugars you need in your diet but if you really have a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied, treat yourself but make sure to thoroughly brush and floss.
Similarly, acidic foods can be detrimental to our oral health, but with some fruits, dairy, meats and high-protein drinks and snacks all carrying a low pH level, avoiding this completely would completely knock a balanced diet off-kilter. As a result, it’s best to take care with these foods and drinks, once again ensuring that you have a good oral healthcare routine too.
Are There Foods That Can Improve My Oral Health?
On a more positive note, there are plenty of foods you should be eating to help your teeth, and none you may be surprised at what we have on our list!
First, let’s start with cheese. Despite its acidic dairy content, cheese has an abundance of calcium that can help you to strengthen and protect your enamel. What’s more, cheese will also help promote saliva production as you eat, flushing away the bad bacteria hanging around in your mouth. Yogurts are another dairy product that’s good for you, and in a similar way to cheese. However, they also have probiotics that can further pull out bad bacteria and remove it from your mouth to protect your teeth.
Apples, carrots, celery and leafy greens are also good options for a healthy and orally-healthy snack. Apples are high in fibre and hold a high water content which will, of course, help bring about a higher level of saliva. The texture can also work in a similar way to a toothbrush and stimulates your gums to help them grow stronger and healthier. Carrots and celery also work in a similar way to apples, and the antioxidants also work to give your gums a little helping hand. Leafy greens are a good alternative to milk and other dairy products when it comes to calcium.
Finally, almonds are another great snack that’s not only good for your oral health but are also delicious, too! They’re surprisingly low in sugars given their fairly sweet taste and hold an abundance of protein and calcium to help your teeth, gums and bones remain strong and healthy. The chewing motion required to crunch these snacks is also a great way to strengthen your jaw!
While there’s no foolproof way to form a diet that’s perfectly healthy for your teeth, ensuring that you take extra care with the amount that you choose to eat can help to protect your enamel. By limiting sugar and acid intake and furthering your consumption of calcium-rich and protein-heavy foods, you can give your mouth a fighting chance against the foods on the market today.
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