According to the London Times, the average person spends six years and ten months eating in his or her 70-year lifetime. In that time what kind of damage are we doing to the health of our teeth? Improving your diet can prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay and gum disease.
Here are some foods that are good for your teeth and overall health.
- Cheese: Cheese is extremely high in calcium content and low in lactose, which are essential factors to oral health. Casein, a protein found in cheese, may have a protective property that promotes healthy teeth and prevents cavities.
- Wild Salmon: Fatty fish contains Vitamin D, which is critical for oral health. It allows your body to absorb and use calcium, which protects your teeth and gums from disease.
- Leafy Greens: Greens contain Vitamins A, C and E and are high in Fiber. But more importantly, leafy greens take a longer time to chew. Chewing generates saliva, which scrubs your teeth squeaky clean.
- Sugarless Gum: Sugarless gum cleans teeth by producing saliva. Saliva is your body’s way of washing away acid produced by bacteria. Sugarless gum also rinses the teeth in bone-strengthening calcium and phosphate.
- Nuts: Nuts are rich in magnesium, calcium, and phosphate – all important nutrients for dental health.
- WATER: Just like saliva, water rinses acid and debris off teeth. It also contains the fluoride, a mineral that protects teeth from erosion.
For more questions on Oral Health, contact Dental Partners of Fifth Avenue.