What are the best and worst foods for your teeth?

Do you want a smile as white as a pearl? The following is information that will tell you which foods are the healthiest and which are the most harmful to your teeth.

 

You probably already know that cleaning your teeth is essential to maintaining a healthy smile, but have you given any thought to the role that nutrition plays in this? Products that are high in sugar are among the worst meals you can eat for your teeth since they foster the conditions that lead to tooth decay. Instead, it would help if you put more of your attention into consuming more nutrient-dense meals, which can help strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

 

The effect that the food we eat has on our teeth is often disregarded because there is so much information available on nutrition as a means of reducing body fat. In this section, we will discuss the foods that are the healthiest and the unhealthiest for your teeth so that you may make more informed decisions. In addition to this, we questioned the specialists about the best ways to maintain proper dental hygiene.

 

Brushing your teeth twice daily is the single most important thing you can do to improve the appearance of your smile. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for a total of four minutes twice a day. You may take your toothbrushing practice to the next level by following the steps outlined in our guide to the best electric toothbrushes.

 

For the time being, let's investigate the scientific rationale behind which foods are healthiest and which are least healthy for teeth.

 

The foods that are the worst for your teeth are:

 

Sugary foods and beverages

 

Not only are sweets like candies, cookies, and cakes detrimental to your waistline, but they are also among the worst foods you can eat for your teeth.

 

According to renowned cosmetic dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman, "when the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, it releases an acid by-product that dissolves the enamel from your teeth." When sugar interacts with the plaque that has formed on your teeth, an increase in the production of acid is triggered. As a result, the acid eats away at the enamel that covers the outside of your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to developing cavities.

 

There is a lot of research that points to the dangers of consuming meals that are high in sugar. According to a review that was published in Acta Medica Academica in 2013, there is a correlation between increased sugar consumption and increased levels of tooth decay.

 

Are you a sucker for sweets? Instead of eating sugary snacks, you might chew sugar-free gum. According to Veytsman, "sugarless gum containing xylitol can help lower the amount of bacteria in your mouth and increase the amount of saliva that you produce."

 

 

Citrus fruits

 

Fruits in the citrus family, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, have a high concentration of both acid and sugar. What is the result? According to the American Dental Association, this double whammy of acids causes degradation of the enamel, which serves as a protective layer on teeth (opens in a new tab). Even though citrus fruits are good for your health, it is best to consume them in moderation and as part of a meal to reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach.

 

Simple carbohydrates

 

Potato chips and white bread are examples of simple carbohydrates that are among the most detrimental to dental health. A study that was conducted in 2011 and published in the Pediatric Dentistry Journal (opens in a new tab) discovered a correlation between the use of processed carbohydrates like potato chips and increased levels of tooth decay. Potato chips have a habit of becoming stuck in between people's teeth. The accumulation of plaque on your teeth as a result of these food particles puts you at an increased risk for tooth decay. The same thing happens when you eat bread, as it turns into a paste that coats the teeth and can lead to an increase in plaque levels.

 

Do you have another option? Replace simple carbs with complex carbs made from whole grains, such as bread made from 100% whole wheat, quinoa, potatoes, and oats.

 

Textured foods

 

Since ice is made up entirely of water, you could be excused for thinking that it poses no health risks. Chewing ice, on the other hand, may wreak havoc on your oral health and even cause your teeth to chip. By chilling your drinks with crushed ice or by placing them in the freezer, you can avoid the temptation of chewing ice.

 

It is not a good idea to chew on ice since it causes microscopic fissures in the enamel of the teeth, which can lead to sensitivity and even chipping of the teeth. According to Dr. Sanda Moldovan, a periodontist and nutritionist at Beverly Hills Dental Health and Wellness, "Popcorn consumption causes tooth damage in a significant number of my patients, causing them to require dental implants to repair broken or otherwise compromised teeth."

 

Crunchy fruits and vegetables are the finest sources of nutrients for teeth.

 

Consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruit, such as apples, carrots, and celery, is an excellent choice for the health of your teeth. Even though they can't take the place of brushing your teeth, they can serve as a natural toothbrush and help remove plaque. There is evidence to suggest that eating a diet rich in vegetables can be beneficial to one's oral health in addition to overall health. Poor vegetable consumption was found to be connected with greater levels of dental decay, according to a review that was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2021.

 

Additionally, munching on vegetables such as celery encourages the creation of saliva, which assists in the elimination of lingering food particles. In addition, saliva includes minute amounts of calcium and phosphates, both of which help to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

 

Foods that are high in calcium.

 

Do you want to avoid getting cavities in your teeth? Calcium is your ally; it is a key component in the process of building the enamel on your teeth. Getting the recommended daily amount of calcium provides several health benefits. A study that was published in Clinical Oral Investigations in 2017 indicated that the likelihood of oral illness was higher among young women if they had a reduced calcium intake.

 

Your calcium consumption can be increased by eating items that contain milk, cheese, and yogurt as part of a balanced diet. On a vegan diet? There is a wide variety of plant-based foods that can serve as a replacement, including foods that are high in calcium, such as leafy greens, tofu, and beans.

 

Protein and lean meat

 

Phosphorus can be found in high concentrations in lean protein sources, including chicken, fish, and eggs. According to the American Dental Association, this mineral is essential for the reconstruction of enamel and can serve as a barrier against cavity formation. Even better, the majority of lean sources of protein also have low levels of sugar, which is good for your teeth because sugar can cause cavities.

 

Nuts

 

Nuts are an excellent option for a snack that is good for your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, they pack a powerful nutritional punch with elements like calcium, which helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. As an alternative to foods that are empty in terms of nutritional value, munch on some almonds.

 

Advice on how to keep up a healthy oral hygiene routine

 

The following is some advice that Veytsman has to offer: "It is important to maintain good dental hygiene by seeing your dentist on a regular basis, as well as cleaning and flossing your teeth."

 

If you reside in a region where the water is not fluoridated, the American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. This is especially important if you brush your teeth twice a day. You can learn more about the consequences of fluoride by consulting our reference guide, which is as follows: Is there a benefit to using fluoride on your teeth? Don't forget to floss. It is a terrific method for properly cleaning those areas that are difficult to access.

Article source : https://www.livescience.com/the-worst-foods-for-teeth

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