It is rightly said that you are what you eat. Well, it falls correct, especially for your oral health. Our health conditions, whether good or bad depends entirely on what you consume. This should not come as a surprise that your oral health is the mirror of your overall health. It is a vicious circle as there are a lot of health problems that develop or worsen due to poor oral hygiene and dental diseases.
Some several foods and beverages can cause serious damage to your teeth. Also, along with that, it leads to tooth decay, plaque, gingivitis, etc. While nothing beats the miraculous benefits of healthy benefits and regular visits to your dentist, there are a number of food items in particular that you must include and stay away from to keep your teeth healthy.
Best Food Items
Dairy Products
Dairy products like curd, cheese, milk, yogurt, etc. are rich in calcium and phosphates. This helps in strengthening and rebuilding your teeth through minerals found in dairy products.
Foods with Fluoride
Fluoridated water used for direct consumption or edible products made using fluoridated water would work wonders for your teeth. Poultry food, powdered cereal, and even seafood and powdered juices are sources of fluoride.
Vegetables and Fruits
Fresh and colorful fruits and vegetables are a rich source of fiber. Therefore, they keep your saliva flowing and keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fiber-rich food like fruits and vegetables are next to great home dental care. They guard your teeth and gums against tooth decay, cavities, and other dental problems.
Teas
Antioxidant-rich teas like black tea and green teas are rich in Polyphenols. These substances regulate the development of bacteria. Also, consequently, this leads to the prevention of bacteria growth and bacteria causing acid.
Worst Food Items
Carbonated Drinks
This should not come as a surprise as these drinks are awful for your teeth. If you drink carbonated drinks regularly then we have got news for you; your oral health is at risk. Carbonated drinks produce an enormous amount of acid that eventually attacks your tooth enamel. Carbonated sodas coat your teeth in acid and lead to extreme dehydration in the mouth, therefore, there is hardly any saliva formation. Along with that, sodas that are dark in color lead to staining of teeth. Quick tip- brushing your teeth right after drinking soda is not the best habit to follow. This would only worsen and fasten the tooth decay process.
Sour Candies
Candies of any taste and form are harmful to your teeth and gums. However, sour candies are essentially more harmful to your oral health. Along with that, they are chewy and therefore, get stuck on your teeth for a prolonged time. This only increases the risks of tooth decay, plaque, and other dental issues. Therefore, if you wish to consume sweets, stay away from sour candies, and make sure to rapidly consume them and rinse your mouth. Again, do not brush your teeth immediately.
Ice
Refrigerate, frozen block of water; harmless right? No. Many people have bit to eat a lot of ice cubes and include them in their beverages, as harmless as it seems, it is risky for your teeth and gums. Eating a hard substance like ice would lead to tooth enamel damage. Along with that, it could lead to dental emergencies like cracked, loosened crowns, broken teeth, chipped teeth, etc. Ice as long as, use for chilling your drinks, is safe but do not chew on it.
Good oral health begins with good dietary habits. Keep a check on the food items that you consume and you are sorted in terms of oral health and hygiene.