Maintaining good dental health is important for overall health and well-being. The foods we put into our system first have to pass through our mouths, which ultimately starts the digestion process through the help of our teeth and our saliva. We can optimise our dental health as well as our overall health by eating foods that are designed to benefit our strength and well-being.
Whilst dental health is heavily reliant on our oral hygiene routine, we can still take preventative action through what we eat to avoid any dental health complications such as gum disease and plaque buildup.
If you are looking for additions to your diet that will improve your overall dental health, take a look at the following suggestions and why they are important in your diet:
Table of Contents
Calcium-rich foods
Calcium is an essential nutrient that is important for strong teeth and bones. When we are babies we solely consume milk to support our growth and development, but as adults, we tend to neglect the importance of still incorporating dairy into our diets. Foods that are high in calcium include dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach. Eating calcium-rich foods can help to prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth strong.
Vitamin D-rich foods
Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium and is essential for strong teeth and bones. Whilst vitamin D is not commonly stated as a priority for consumption, we should still be adding this nutrient into our diet to benefit our dental health and overall well-being. Foods that are high in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, as well as egg yolks and foods like milk and cereal. Vitamin D is also produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy, like apples, carrots, and celery, are great for dental health because they stimulate saliva production, which helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Our saliva is essential for maintaining the health of our enamel, and a lack of saliva can result in poor dental health. Additionally, the act of chewing crunchy foods can help to strengthen teeth and gums to avoid the weakening of the enamel.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is essential for dental health because it helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. When we consume foods daily food particles are frequently left in the mouth which can stimulate the production of plaque and potentially tooth decay if not washed clean in time. Additionally, water that is fluoridated can help to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, hence why fluoride toothpaste is well recommended by dentists.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, maintaining good dental health through a healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being. By eating a balanced diet that includes calcium-rich foods, vitamin D-rich foods, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water, you can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. Also, it is important to brush and floss regularly and to visit your dentist in Milton Keynes for regular checkups and cleanings.
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Ankita Thakur
- April 3, 2023
