The role of nutrition in tooth and gum health.

We all want a bright smile, without problems with our teeth and gums.

How will the dentist become the doctor I only see for a checkup and cleaning every six months? With proper oral hygiene and the food guide for strong teeth and gums.

It is very important to drink water to avoid dry mouth and food retention!

To achieve this goal, we must systematically brush our teeth, especially every night. The “weapons” we can use for this purpose are a simple, soft toothbrush, dental floss and an interdental brush. Place the toothbrush on the gums at an angle pushing the lips, cheeks, tongue. We make static, drifting, horizontal movements and lift the toothbrush in places and successively. Then we place the dental floss or the interdental brush with a little toothpaste on it.

In addition to proper oral hygiene, our diet also plays an important role.

No one disputes that oral health is something we should take care of throughout our lives.

Wiley-Blackwell.

It is widely known that sugar damages teeth. So the question arises, what foods should we take to have healthy teeth and gums forever?

We choose foods rich in calcium, magnesium, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, D.

Food guide for healthy teeth and gums.

  • Dairy products: milk, cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium. Calcium is the main component of an inorganic substance known as hydroxyapatite, which strengthens tooth enamel as well as bones. Cheese, in particular, contains casein, a type of protein. Research shows that caseins, along with calcium, play an important role in stabilizing and repairing tooth enamel.
  • The probiotics found in yogurt also benefit the gums because the good bacteria crowd out the bacteria that cause cavities in the teeth.
  • Spinach, Kale, Broccoli: Green leafy vegetables and other fiber-rich foods protect teeth mainly because they require a lot of chewing which creates saliva. Saliva and the food itself naturally rub the teeth. They are rich in calcium which is the basis of tooth enamel. They may also contain folic acid, a type of B vitamin that has many benefits for gum health. Also, since vegetables contain a high percentage of water and fiber, they help balance sugars.
  • Carrots, celery: vitamin A, C
  • Orange, strawberry: It is a source of vitamin C, D, calcium. Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen that forms the connective tissues, gums and bones.
  • Apples: The fibrous texture of apples stimulates the gums along with saliva production, making them an ideal choice for self-cleaning teeth.
  • Almonds, walnuts: they are also good sources of calcium and protein, while being low in sugar. In general, all nuts are low in carbohydrates and do not pose a risk to teeth. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce an acid that is activated by carbohydrates.
  • Avocado: Source of vitamins K, C, B5, B6, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, niacin.
  • Fish: tuna, sardines, salmon. They contain vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids, phosphorus, natural sodium fluoride.
  • Eggs: Source of vitamins A, C B12, B6, calcium, magnesium, iron.
  • Water: Water is always the best choice, especially compared to juices and soft drinks. Water, like saliva, washes away sugars and acids from the teeth. It also contains fluoride which protects against corrosion.
  • Sugar-free chewing gum cleans teeth by stimulating saliva production and coating them with calcium. In addition, many varieties of sugar-free gum contain the sweetener xylitol, an alcohol that reduces bacteria.

Smart tips.

1. When we eat acidic foods (lemons, fruits, bananas, oranges) we brush our teeth after an hour so that their enamel is not damaged.

In the event that we brush our teeth immediately after taking acidic foods, the exact same thing will happen, as when we wash the marble with bleach!

2. What matters is not the amount of sugar we consume, but how long our teeth are exposed to it during the day. If I brush my teeth between meals, I will protect my teeth. It is more harmful to drink eight hours of my sweet coffee during my work than in twenty minutes, drinking water at the same time and having finally managed to brush my teeth. Of course, this only reduces the damage to the teeth, not to the body!

3. Finally, the most beneficial thing for our body and mouth is to drink enough water during the day. It becomes clear that proper nutrition is important for the entire organism, part of which is the oral cavity, which is the first line of defense. We eat healthy to have a strong immune system and give our body the right fuel to function. We take care of our oral hygiene and visit the dentist for cleanings and preventive checks every six months. This is how we achieve the prevention of problems, inconveniences, while we also benefit from the financial part of repairing the damages. We do not avoid the dentist, but create a strong ally in our quest for a healthy and bright smile!

If someone does not take care and clean his teeth, no doctor can do it for him.

Martin H. Fischer.