How Good Dental Hygiene Depends on Eating Habits

[Vu Le]

Many people assume that dental hygiene is about visiting the dentist for regular checkups, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. While these are important for your oral hygiene, there is more to it. The health of your teeth and gums begin with what you put into your mouth. By eating healthy, you will ensure that your teeth and gums get the vitamins and minerals that they require. This can avert many oral health issues. You need to consume a diet that lays a solid foundation for the health of your teeth and gums. This means consuming food that is considered to be tooth-friendly.

 

Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits, like apples and pears, stimulate your salivary glands to produce saliva. This helps to reduce acidity in the mouth and also flushes away food particles that remain in your mouth. Saliva can reduce the number of bacteria that cause cavities. Furthermore, fresh fruits contain natural sugars, which are not as harmful as sucrose, which is present in granulated sugar that is a major cause of tooth decay.

 

Food Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant and protects your body from the adverse effects of free radicals. It also helps to clean the cavity causing bacteria from your mouth, so that you have healthy teeth and gums. One of the first signs of Vitamin C deficiency is bleeding gums and this should prove its importance.

 

Food Rich in Calcium

Calcium is important for oral health. It can protect teeth against decay and treat gum disease. Calcium is found in milk, cheese, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, yogurt, sardines and shellfish. Eating food rich in calcium will maintain the density of your teeth and keep them strong.

 

 

About the Author

Dr. Vu Le is the Owner of Vu Le, DDS Inc. Dr. Vu Le is an experienced Foothill Ranch Dentist, specializing in family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth capping and dental fillings. He is certified, prides himself in building strong relationships with each of his patients and has gained a reputation of excellence in the dental community. Google+

[Steffany Mohan, DDS]

Thank you Vu Le for sharing the tips on board with all of us. It was informative with some good tips on how to keep dental hygiene and stay oral healthy.