Diet for healthy teeth

Dental health while on the one hand depends a lot on hygiene and care; it also hinges largely on the foods we eat. Whether our diet is dominated by tooth damaging foods or those that are teeth friendly plays a vital role in determining the number of caries we are prone to have eventually.

Herbalists and holistic health practitioners believe foods affect dental health in a big way. But foods do not just affect the teeth negatively. There are several foods and drinks which are good for the dental health.

Teeth friendly drinks

•    The green tea - Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and thus, they prevent plaque from accumulating around the teeth. This, in turn prevents cavities from forming and reduce chances of gum disease. Green tea keeps bad breath at bay as it prevents bacterial growth.
•    Milk and yogurt – milk and yogurt are low acidity drinks and taken unsweetened they work well for teeth. Drinks with lo acidic content reduce the risk of enamel erosion and maintain the pH of the mouth. They are a rich source of calcium and thus keep teeth healthy.
•    Water – water cleanses the mouth and promotes saliva secretion. It is also a source of rich minerals which get re-deposited onto teeth and strengthen them. Gums are hydrated with water and the mouth gets rinsed well.

Teeth friendly foods

•    Cheese – like milk and yogurt cheese is a good source of calcium. It also contains phosphate. Thus, cheese helps to rebuild tooth enamel, prevents bacterial growth and decay and cavities.
•    Fruits – whole fruits are good for teeth, especially those rich in Vit-C. acting as a cement that holds teeth together, Vit-C is good for the gum tissue. Without enough Vit-C the gums begin to go tender. This makes them prone to bacterial growth and periodontal disease.
•    Vegetables – many vegetables like - Pumpkin, carrots, sweet potato, broccoli are rich in vitamin A. This vitamin plays an important role in the formation of tooth enamel. Also, chewing raw veggies helps to make teeth and gums strong as they help exercise and clean them.
•    Onions – they are rich source of antibacterial sulphur compounds. Eating raw peeled onions is best for teeth health, although they might give you temporary bad breath.
•    Celery - produces saliva, which neutralizes different bacteria keeping the mouth safe from cavities. It proves to be a good massage for gums and cleans between teeth.