Five foods to prevent tooth decay and gum problems

Foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C help maintain good oral health

When the summer period has come to an end, we take stock and seeing how the meals outside the home develop and the consumption of foods rich in sugars and carbonated drinks, it is time to start thinking about improving.

Holidays, with the consequent loss of routine, and poor oral habits, can cause serious oral health problems.

One of the most common dental problems when returning from vacation is cavities, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are the most prevalent disorder among oral diseases.

Caries are perforations that occur in the structure of the teeth as a result of the action of accumulated bacterial plaque, caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet rich in sugars and starches.

This type of food, especially if eaten between meals, makes it easier for cariogenic bacteria to be activated to digest them and produces acids that attack the teeth.

Prevention is the key to maintaining healthy teeth. Avoiding sweets, industrial pastries or sugary drinks, as well as brushing your teeth after every meal and using dental floss will help reduce the chances of suffering from these types of problems.

On the other hand, a check-up at a dental clinic after the holidays is the best way to prevent unnecessary risks and ensure that oral health remains intact after the summer.

Foods that we must include in the diet to have better health in the mouth

In addition, there are foods that help combat the risk of tooth decay and other complications or oral ailments derived from poor dental hygiene. The experts at Sanitas Dental have drawn up a list of foods that should be included in the daily diet to minimize the risk of suffering from them.

• Yogurts and dairy: Calcium, present in foods such as dairy products, is an essential component to prevent tooth decay. Products such as milk or yogurts are an important source of this mineral that will help to achieve strong and healthy teeth. In addition, other dairy products such as cheese have the ability to neutralize the formation of acids that deteriorate the enamel. As an alternative to these foods, dark green cereals, greens or vegetables are also high in calcium.
• Celery and carrots: Consuming raw carrots helps to strengthen the teeth and gums, since, by chewing them, we prevent bacteria from adhering to the teeth, in addition to improving blood flow. This vegetable also activates the salivary glands, key to eliminating bacteria from the oral cavity, and contains fluoride, a fundamental mineral for maintaining enamel and preventing tooth decay. In the same way, celery also favors the production of saliva thanks to malic acid, which helps clean the teeth and prevents the appearance of stains on the teeth.
• Blue Fish: The accumulation of bacteria, present in the remains of food, is the main cause of periodontal problems such as gingivitis. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, making the gums and teeth much more resistant to these types of infections. This vitamin is present, for example, in oily fish such as tuna, sardines or salmon.
• Eggs and legumes: In the same way as calcium, phosphorus is another essential element for the correct maintenance of the structure of the teeth. Eggs are a food with a high content of this mineral present in teeth and bones, which can also be found in legumes such as chickpeas or lentils.
• Apples and kiwi: Biting an apple, a fruit rich in fiber, contributes to oral cleaning by eliminating bacteria that favor the development of cavities and gingivitis, since, when chewing it, an effect that can be similar to brushing is produced on the teeth and the elimination of the plate. Other fruits, especially those that contain vitamin C such as kiwi, can help the production of collagen, the main component of the gums and essential for maintaining good oral health.

Let’s change not only habits, but also foods to improve oral health and eat in a totally healthy way.