Staying away from sugary treats when you have a sweet tooth is not an easy task. Oral hygiene is of utmost importance, especially in your old age.
It is a common myth that teeth will decay once we turn old. If properly cared for, our teeth can actually last us a lifetime. Even so, some foods can help you in keeping tooth decay at bay.
We will give you 7 foods for tooth decay due to their high nutritional quotient:
1. Calcium
Dairy foods like cheese, butter and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and help in balancing the oral bacteria that live in your mouth. Cow’s milk helps in maintaining the pH balance and oral health. If you are lactose-intolerant, you can even opt for soymilk, which is equally rich in calcium content.
2. Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables
Opting for crisp fruits and veggies in your diet like apples, carrots and celery stimulates saliva flow. Saliva washes away food particles while also neutralising the acids that attack the tooth enamel. Avoid too much of citrus fruits in your diet like oranges and lemons as they can erode the tooth enamel over time.
3. Sugarless chewing gum
Surprisingly, having chewing sugarless gum, which contains xylitol, after meals can help in rinsing off harmful acid from your teeth. Having gum that contains sugar can cause more cavities.
4. Green and black teas
Tea can prevent bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities, hence slowing down the process itself. Black tea contains fluoride that helps wash down sugar and promotes saliva flow, which is essential to rinse off acids.
5. Tap water
Tap water also contains fluoride, which helps in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Hence, always use tap water whenever possible as it can also help in reducing the risk of caries caused due to sugar consumption.
6. Chewy foods
Certain chewy foods like peanuts and tuna fish (high-protein) are often recommended as they can minimise the risk of tooth decay.
7. Wine
A glass of wine can actually fight off bacteria that cause cavities. The antioxidants found in wine, especially red wine, is said to be healthy for our teeth. Therefore, you can happily indulge in a glass of wine after consuming a box of chocolates!
Eating a healthy and balanced diet, which contains a lot of greens, fruits and lean protein, is necessary to maintain healthy teeth as well as a healthy body. The foods listed above have proved to be helpful in fighting tooth and gum decay. Therefore, incorporate them in your diet today to see the long-term benefits of good food choices.
If you do not have a good source of fluoride, ask your dentist for fluoride supplements. Brushing twice and flossing once should be an essential part of your everyday routine. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming carbonated drinks or candies as it can hasten the decay process. Lastly, go for regular check-ups and annual cleaning sessions to remove plaque that accumulates over time. Making the right diet choices can lead to healthier smiles!
For more information, call us at: 03340277777 / 8017770323 or email us at: enquiry@newwpsite.tribecacare.com.
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