Have you been thinking
of changing your diet recently? Maybe you want to feel more energetic, maybe
you want to lose some weight, or maybe you just want better overall health. Did
you know that your diet also affects your teeth? What you eat or don’t eat have
a correlation with the health of your teeth. Eating healthier doesn’t only keep
your body healthy, but it keeps you with healthy teeth and gums. Specific
types of food can either be beneficial to your teeth or can be harmful. Ask
your family dentist about types of foods that will be advantageous to your oral health. Mentioned below are some important
things to know:
Importance of
Calcium:
As we all know,
calcium is good for our bones, but it doesn’t stop there. Calcium is also good
for our teeth; it decreases bone loss and improves tooth retention. Adding
calcium to your diet is great to help form strong teeth and bones, as well as
Vitamin D, which the body uses to absorb calcium. Some good examples of calcium
can be low-fat dairy products, almonds, dark green vegetables, as well as canned
salmon or sardines (with bones).
Importance of
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is important
when it comes to gums as it helps keep the lining of the gums healthy. Vitamin
C is necessary for the production of collagen, which makes up connective
tissue. This means Vitamin C will be beneficial for the connective tissue of your
gums and your periodontal ligaments. Lack of Vitamin C can cause gum related
problems or loose teeth.
Stay away from
Sodas:
They might be called “soft”
drinks but they are hard on your teeth. Acids and acidic sugars in soft drinks soften
tooth enamel and contribute to the development of cavities. Weak enamel is bad
in itself, but when combined with bad oral hygiene, tooth loss can occur. Not
only do sodas and soft drinks weaken your enamel but they also stain your teeth.
Your dentist might recommend that you try substituting your soft drinks
with 100% fruit juices, or milk, or better yet, water.
Stay away from
Sweets:
Candies, caramel, and
other sugary foods should be cut down. They cling to the surfaces of your teeth
and also take a while to dissolve. This is harmful to your teeth. The longer
the sugar stays on your teeth, the quicker the cavity can occur. This means if
you are constantly having candy and sugars, you are probably prone to getting
cavities.
Citrus and Teeth:
You may think citrus
or lemon would be good for your teeth, but they are not. Foods that are acidic
in nature can erode your enamel. Enamel erosion can cause sensitivity or pain
in your teeth. This sensitivity can be when your brush or even when you drink
hot or cold liquids. Sometimes thinning of the enamel can also cause the teeth
to look more yellow. If you can cut down on acidic meals, that would be beneficial.
If you do not want to cut back on acidic foods, try to brush your teeth right
after you consume them. You can even finish your meal with a glass of milk or a
piece of cheese to neutralize the acids.
All in all, your teeth
should be taken care of everyday. Do not neglect them because their overall
health is important to the rest of your health. Because foods and drinks play a
big role in your oral health, it is important to watch and maintain what you
eat. If you have any questions regarding the connection between foods and
drinks to your oral health then ask your family dentist to
elaborate on the topic.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian
DDS, can help you with all your questions. Give his
office a call today to find out more information on how to keep your teeth and
gums in good shape!
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N.
Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles ,
CA 90004
-N.S.
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