A Tooth Friendly Diet

Everything you eat affects your mouth and consequently your overall health.  Dr. Rhemtulla shares nutritional information that will improve your teeth health and benefit your overall health.  Here are some foods and nutrients that stand out for good dental health.

Calcium

Remember the number of times your mum insisted that milk is good for your teeth? Well, she was right. Dentists in Calgary will all agree that milk is essential for strong teeth and bones. Vital throughout childhood and teen years, the benefits of calcium are long term. A calcium rich diet helps prevent tooth decay. When you do not consume enough calcium, your body will leech this mineral from your teeth and bones resulting in osteoporosis.  The jaw bone can also weaken with low calcium intake which can then cause lead to tooth loss in advanced stages

Food items rich in calcium include milk, cheese, yoghurt, fish and some vegetables like kale and broccoli.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important to your body to repair connective tissue and to help the body fight off infections. People who consume less vitamin C are more likely to suffer from gingivitis. Dr. Rhemtulla, stresses that eating just one piece of a citrus fruit or a kiwi fruit a day will help you meet your body’s Vitamin C requirement for healthy teeth and gums.

Fruits and Vegetables

The crunchier the fruit and vegetable, the better they are for your teeth. Fruits and vegetables like pears, apples, celery and carrots are good for you for two reasons – their texture acts like a detergent on your teeth, cleaning away plaque causing bacteria. Secondly, these foods require a lot of chewing and this increases saliva production which neutralizes bacteria.

Foods to Avoid

Sugary snacks and fizzy drinks are on top of this list. Gummy candies, the kind that stick to your teeth sit in the grooves of the teeth and when metabolized by bacteria in your mouth will dissolve the enamel to produce a cavity.  Soda is another big no-no, a wicked combination of sugar and acids.

Whatever you eat, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and add flossing to your regular oral care regime.!