Nutrition and dental care

Have you ever wondered as to why is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. I have some few points that I would like to share with you. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is an important part of long-lasting overall health since the oral hygiene is linked to whole body health. Oral hygiene is preventative care- this means you can stop oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath(halitosis) and other issues – before they start by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Using the simple definition oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and disease-free.

How do you keep your mouth clean and disease-free?

It involves brushing and flossing your teeth as well as visiting your dentist regularly for dental x-rays, exams, and cleanings. It also involves healthy eating. Health eating keeps teeth free from decay and other dental problems. Good nutrition involves all the food groups and healthy choices for good dental health.

Eating whole grains in low-sugar bread and cereals or fruits and vegetables and quality protein care the best for a healthy mouth. Fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial because chewing fir, coarse, watery, and fibrous foods help you produce saliva, removing leftover food particles.

Conditions linked to oral health.

· Cardiovascular

· Stroke

· Endocarditis

· Pneumonia

· Pregnancy complication, such as pre-mature birth and low birth weight

Conversing, there are certain health conditions that can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums.

· Diabetes

· Osteoporosis

· HIV/AIDS

· Alzheimer’s disease

Signs of poor oral hygiene

· Bleeding gums

· Tooth decay

· Chronic bad breath

· Loose teeth

· Gums recess

· Mouth sores

· Toothaches

· Swelling of the jaw

Minerals and vitamins good for teeth

Calcium:

Calcium compounds help give enamel- the teeth’s outer layer that protects against erosion, decay, and temperature sensitivity.

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body that is made up of calcified tissue, it’s even harder than bone.

Food sources

· Dairy products: milk, yoghurt, and cheese

Dairy products

High in calcium and protein, which help strengthen teeth.

Dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, and milk encourage your body to produce more saliva protecting the teeth.

Yoghurt contains probiotics, or beneficial bacteria for your digestive system.

If you are allergic to dairy, you can find calcium and protein fortified nut milk like almond, soy or cashew milk.

· Soybeans

· Dark green and leafy vegetables

Leafy greens

Vegetables contains many health benefits without being heavy or calorie dense.

Provide vitamins and minerals which help you produce saliva to clean your and keep enamel health.

Leafy greens are high in calcium, folic acid and B vitamins which help your health.

Fluoride:

Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities supports healthy teeth and fights the bacteria that harms the teeth and gums.

Sources of dietary fluoride

· Tea

· Water

· Food cooked in water.

· Fish eaten with bones.

· Infant formula

Phosphorus:

It is essential for healthy teeth. It helps the body absorb and use calcium.

Strengthens teeth by promoting and rebuilding tooth enamel.

food sources:

· Meat

· Milk

· Whole grains

· Fish

· Eggs

Vitamin D:

Group of fat-soluble vitamins. It plays a role in bone and tooth mineralization.

Dietary food sources: Oily fish like salmon

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is water soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables. It helps keeps the connective tissue in the gums healthy and strong, which hold the teeth on place.

Deficiencies can lead to bleeding gums and gums disease.

Dietary food sources:

· Citrus fruits

· Peppers

· Sweet potatoes

· Berries

· Broccoli

Vitamin A

Vitamin A contains beta-carotene, which has the antioxidant properties. These antioxidants assist in getting rid of the free radicals-chemicals that speed up decay in the body. Vitamin A is great for the mouth especially in producing the saliva. Saliva helps in breaking food and cleaning bacteria from in between your teeth. Lack of vitamin A can result in delayed healing of the mouth.

Negative effects:

Vitamin A is soluble fat soluble, which implies that it can be stored in the body fat. Hence high dose supplements are not recommended. They can cause side effects like joint pains, headaches, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and liver danger.

NB: Large dose of vitamin Can also cause birth defect.

Dietary food sources:

· Orange colored fruits and vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers.

· Fish

· Egg yolk

It is important to start choosing a better eating practice for a healthy tooth. This can boost your confidence to give a perfect smile without any hesitation. I hope you will adapt to a healthier eating choice.

Thanks for reading!!!