What To Consume And Avoid Consuming For Oral Health

If there's one part of the human body that can be quickly taken for granted, it's our teeth. We rely on them to do their job without much thought, much like the automatic processes of our muscles and lungs. In addition, it may not be at the forefront of most people's minds how exactly oral health may be affected after long-term consumption of certain foods and drinks regularly. While there are many oral-related health issues, such as tartar, plaque, and cavities, they are easily preventable, especially when our diets are given extra attention.

If your teeth need a dose of TLC, the following foods are recommended for consumption:

1. Dairy products - milk, cheese, and plain yogurt.

Cheese is known for stimulating saliva production, which is crucial for oral health. Saliva helps protect tooth enamel from decay by destroying harmful acids within the mouth. Although mineral loss in your teeth can occur due to other foods, dairy products can combat this. The phosphates and calcium in cheese and milk can help replenish your teeth. Tooth enamel may also be filled back in.

2. Fruits and vegetables with high fiber content.

As told by the American Dental Association (ADA), your gums will stay cleaner by consuming fiber-rich foods, promoting saliva production. Optimal natural protection against gum disease and cavities is best ensured through a fiber-rich diet, regular brushing, and flossing. Around approximately 20 minutes after eating starchy or sugary food, your saliva begins counteracting the harm done to your teeth caused by enzymes and acids. Due to the minuscule amounts of phosphate and calcium in saliva, minerals lost from bacterial acids are continuously replenished in weakened areas of the teeth.

For better oral health, the consuming following should be avoided:

3. Carbonated beverages.

Regarding tooth damage, consuming excessive servings of soda pop may be on equal footing with crack cocaine and methamphetamine use, as discovered by an older study. The production of additional enamel-eroding acid occurs after consuming soda pop. Your teeth will be supplied with a continuous acid layer if you drink soda throughout the day. Additionally, you will have less teeth-protecting saliva due to a dryer mouth. The appearance of your teeth will eventually be less than stellar, as sodas dark in color may eventually cause staining or discoloration. To avoid speeding up the decaying process, it's best to wait briefly after drinking soda before brushing your teeth.

4. Citrus fruit - lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime.

Despite the numerous health benefits of citrus fruits and their exceptionally high vitamin C content, enamel erosion and the possibility of decay may occur if consumed in excess. Open cuts and sores in and around the mouth may also become irritated from acidic citrus fruits. Consumption in moderation during meals is ideal for supplying your body with various vitamins and antioxidants as long as the mouth is thoroughly rinsed out with water after eating.