What is the Best Diet for Healthy Teeth?
“What is the best diet for healthy skin?”
“What is the best diet for anxiety?”
“What is the best diet for weight loss?”
Everyone is dying to know “the best diet.” Finding the perfect solution to achieve optimal health is a relevant and trending topic these days. But finding the best diet for healthy teeth and gums is just as, if not more, important.
The Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association found that tooth decay and gum disease is linked to many other serious health conditions, such as pneumonia, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. A national study of Canadians found that people between the ages of 36 and 69 with severe gum disease had between three to seven times the risk of fatal heart disease.
You can maintain your healthy teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups, but a less-discussed tool in maintaining good oral health is a healthy teeth-friendly diet.
So, what is the best diet for healthy teeth?
The Best Diet For Healthy Teeth
- Foods High in Calcium. Choosing foods like cheese, seeds and milk (dairy or fortified non-dairy) that are high in calcium strengthen your tooth enamel. Stronger tooth enamel also reduces the risk of tooth decay.
- Foods High in Protein. Meat, eggs and tofu are high in protein and help repair worn out tissues, including your gum tissue. Protein also helps balance pH levels in the mouth, which kills off unwanted bacteria that can cause infections.
- Foods High in Calcium and Protein. Even better, choose foods that are rich in many of these nutrients! Foods like yogurt and almonds are high in calcium and protein which make for a great snack to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Leafy Greens. Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, are superfoods for the body. Not only are they high in calcium, which we have established as important for tooth enamel, but they are also high in folic acid. Folic acid aids in the creation of new cells. Folic acid is also a crucial vitamin for pregnant women who can become more susceptible to gum disease during their pregnancy. It also plays a huge role in fighting gum disease.
- Celery and Carrots. Are you someone who loves the “crunch” in your snack? Luckily for you, crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots are helpful in maintaining good oral health. These vegetables are high in fibre, which also increases the production of saliva in your mouth. In turn, saliva reduces your risk of cavities. Carrots and celery also act as a sort of toothbrush as you chew because they scrape away food particles and bacteria from your teeth, helping to keep them clean and healthy.
The Worst Diet For Healthy Teeth
Comparatively, there are many (if not more!) foods that are terrible for your oral health. Sugary drinks like pop, sports and energy drinks and even alcohol promote tartar buildup and tooth decay. Beverages like coffee, tea and wine can unfortunately stain your teeth and dull their natural shine. Popcorn (especially the kernels!), ice and hard candy can also break or chip your teeth and cause permanent damage to your tooth enamel. These foods and beverages should only be enjoyed in moderation!
When choosing the best diet for your overall health, it is crucial to prioritize your healthy teeth. At the end of the day, a good oral health contributes to a good overall health. And while many foods and beverages are okay in moderation, being aware of the best and worst foods for your teeth and gums will help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease. The Limoges Dental Centre team wants you that a healthy diet is just as important for your teeth as regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups, t
Happy snacking!