By Arthur Kezian
Have you been thinking of changing your diet recently? Maybe you want to feel more energetic, maybe you want to lose some weight, or maybe you just want better overall health. Did you know that your diet also affects your teeth? What you eat or don’t eat have a correlation with the health of your teeth. Eating healthier doesn’t only keep your body healthy, but it keeps your teeth and gums healthy as well. Specific types of food can either be beneficial to your teeth or can be harmful. Ask your family dentist about types of foods that will be advantageous to your oral health. Mentioned below are some important things to know:
Importance of Calcium:
As we all know, calcium is good for our bones, but it doesn’t stop there. Calcium is also good for our teeth; it decreases bone loss and improves tooth retention. Adding calcium to your diet is great to help form strong teeth and bones, as well as Vitamin D, which the body uses to absorb calcium. Some good examples of calcium can be low-fat dairy products, almonds, dark green vegetables, as well as canned salmon or sardines (with bones).
Importance of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is important when it comes to gums as it helps keep the lining of the gums healthy. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which makes up connective tissue. This means Vitamin C will be beneficial for the connective tissue of your gums and your periodontal ligaments as well as your overall oral health. Lack of Vitamin C can cause gum related problems or loose teeth.
Stay away from Sodas:
They might be called “soft” drinks but they are hard on your teeth. Acids and acidic sugars in soft drinks soften tooth enamel and contribute to the development of cavities. Weak enamel is bad in itself, but when combined with bad oral hygiene, tooth loss can occur. Not only do sodas and soft drinks weaken your enamel but they also stain your teeth. Your dentist might recommend that you try substituting your soft drinks with 100% fruit juices, or milk, or better yet, water.
Stay away from Sweets:
Candies, caramel, and other sugary foods should be cut down. They cling to the surfaces of your teeth and also take a while to dissolve. This is harmful to your teeth. The longer the sugar stays on your teeth, the quicker the cavity can occur. This means if you are constantly having candy and sugars, you are probably prone to getting cavities.
Citrus and Teeth:
You may think citrus or lemon would be good for your teeth, but they are not. Foods that are acidic in nature can erode your enamel. Enamel erosion can cause sensitivity or pain in your teeth. This sensitivity can be when your brush or even when you drink hot or cold liquids. Sometimes thinning of the enamel can also cause the teeth to look more yellow. If you can cut down on acidic meals, that would be beneficial. If you do not want to cut back on acidic foods, try to brush your teeth right after you consume them. You can even finish your meal with a glass of milk or a piece of cheese to neutralize the acids.
All in all, your teeth should be taken care of everyday. Do not neglect them because their overall health is important to the rest of your health. Because foods and drinks play a big role in your oral health, it is important to watch and maintain what you eat. If you have any questions regarding the connection between foods and drinks to your oral health then ask your dentist to elaborate on the topic.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, an LA dentist, can help you with all your questions. Give his office a call today to find out more information on how to keep your teeth and gums in good shape!
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777