You may think of dental care in terms of oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for cleaning and check-ups. And you may have been taught at a young age that such habits are the key to uncovering common dental health issues early, such as tooth decay.
Of course, you should visit your dentist regularly. Good dental health, however, also requires eating the right foods to maintain that healthy, beautiful smile of yours. A balanced diet provides endless benefits, including cheaper dental care, increased resistance and a reduced risk of disease. But what are some of the best foods for not only good dental care, but also your overall health?
Dairy
It's no accident that milk, yoghurt and cheese are dietary staples. Dairy products have high calcium content, which strengthens bones, along with other compounds that replace the lost minerals in your teeth. These foods further encourage your body to increase its saliva production, which helps to protect your teeth by cleaning out food particles.
Fruits and vegetables
Food and vegetables are the most universally recommended food group. That includes all the essential nutrients for maintaining good health. This makes them the required building blocks of all healthy diets that benefit the whole body.
Your teeth, in particular, benefit from such essential nutrients as fibre, calcium, folic acid and vitamin B, which are only found in fruits and leafy greens. They help with your long-term dental care, strengthening your enamel and improving the production of saliva.
Water, unsweetened drinks, and teas
Hydration is every bit as important to dental care as the right diet. After all, you likely drink more than you eat, which means there's a greater chance of getting tooth decay and cavities from acidic and sugary beverages. And while the popularity of sodas, sweet juices, vintage wines and cocktails is understandable, they feed both the bacteria and damaging acids in your mouth.
The best thing for you is water, so make sure you regularly hydrate throughout the day, especially after having consumed sugar. Water both hydrates and cleanses, preventing bacteria that lead to bad breath, gum disease and cavities.
Magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that strengthens the bones in your jaw and your tooth enamel. But where can you get it from? To optimise the dental care benefits they provide, make sure to source your magnesium from such whole grains as oats, wheat, barley, corn and rice. Conversely, you should also avoid processed grains, as they have a tendency to dissolve into unhelpful sugars in the mouth, which increases the risk of getting cavities.
For more info, contact a local dentist.
