02/11/2021
A nutritious, well-balanced diet and lots of water is the key foundation of good dental health. Apart from knowing the good and bad foods for your teeth and gums, it is important to follow good dental hygiene practices such as brushing teeth regularly at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day and making sure to visit your dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning twice in a year.
Dairy – When eaten in the right amounts, dairy including cheese, milk and yogurts can help build stronger teeth. Dairy products have calcium, Vitamin D, phosphorus and whey protein that help restore enamel, provide strength and protect teeth from decay and erosion.
Fruits and Vegetables – Fresh fruits and vegetables are not only good for overall health but also provide key vitamins for healthy teeth and gums.
Nuts – Many of us eat nuts for protein and good cholesterol (HDL), but are nuts good for teeth and gums? Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts and cashews are good sources of protein. Nuts also provide a wide array of vitamins and minerals including Calcium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, amino acids and Vitamin E that help maintain dental health.
Meat, Fish & Soy – Meat and soy contain arginine which is an amino acid that helps in protecting teeth from decay, cavities and plaque. Eggs, meat, fish and soy products are also few of the the top healthy foods you can eat for healthy teeth and gums as they prevent periodontal disease and make bones and teeth stronger. Fatty fish like wild salmon, tuna, Atlantic herring and mackerel are great sources of Omega 3 fish oils and Vitamin D. They not only prevent gum disease and tooth decay but also protect against heart disease.
