Teeth and good/worst food for teeth
How to Take Care of Your Teeth?
Everyone says, “Say cheese! Smile!” when you get your picture taken. So you do what you’re supposed to do: you open your mouth and display your teeth. When you look at the image, you see a cheerful individual staring back at you. The better your teeth look, the happier you appear. What is the reason behind this?
It’s because your teeth are crucial in a variety of ways. Strong teeth allow you to chew the proper meals for growth. They assist you in speaking clearly. And, sure, they do assist you in looking your best.
Why Are Healthy Teeth Important?
How can caring for your teeth assist with all of that? Maintaining your teeth helps to avoid plaque, which is a transparent film of bacteria that adheres to your teeth.
Bacteria swarm over the sugar on your teeth after you eat, like ants at a picnic. Bacteria break it down into acids that eat away at tooth enamel, producing cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis, a gum condition that causes your gums to become red, inflamed, and painful. The soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place are known as your gums.
Cavities and unhealthy gums will make your mouth incredibly sore if you don’t take care of your teeth. It will be tough to eat meals. And you won’t want to smile as much.
Prior to the Development of Toothpaste
We’re fortunate that we now know so much about dental care. Long ago, when individuals aged, their teeth would decay and become quite painful. They got their teeth extracted to relieve pain. Finally, people realized how essential it was to brush their teeth, but they didn’t have toothpaste right away.
While you’re swishing that minty-fresh paste around your mouth, consider what humans used to clean their teeth centuries ago:
- lemon juice ashes (the stuff that’s left over after a fire) ground-up chalk or charcoal
- Tobacco and honey together
It wasn’t until nearly a century ago that someone invented a minty cream to clean teeth. Not long after, the toothpaste tube was created, allowing consumers to squeeze the paste directly onto their toothbrushes. During World War II, tooth brushing became fashionable. All troops in the United States Army were given toothbrushes and toothpaste, and they were taught to clean their teeth twice a day. Previously, toothpaste tubes were constructed of metal; now, they are made of soft plastic and are much simpler to squeeze!
Today, toothpaste comes in a variety of colors and tastes, and some are specifically designed for children. When shopping for toothpaste, look for one that has fluoride. Fluoride strengthens your teeth and protects them from cavities.
You don’t need much toothpaste to clean your teeth: just a pea-sized amount. It’s also not a good idea to swallow the toothpaste, so spit after brushing.
How to Maintain Your Teeth’s Health?
Children may take control of their teeth by following these steps:
- Brush your teeth after lunch or after eating sweets, if possible. Brushing correctly removes plaque.
- Brush your entire mouth, not just the front teeth. Spend some time working on the teeth on the sides and rear. Consult your dentist about the best technique to brush your teeth without harming your gums.
- Brushing should be done slowly. If you have difficulties keeping track of time, set a timer or listen to a recording of a song you enjoy.
- Check to see whether your toothbrush has soft bristles (the packaging will inform you if it does). Every three months, ask your parent to assist you in purchasing a new toothbrush.
- Consult your dentist to see if an antibacterial mouth rinse is appropriate for you.
- Learn how to floss your teeth, which is an essential part of keeping them healthy. It seems strange the first few times, but you’ll be a pro in no time. Once a day, carefully slide the dental floss between each tooth and along the gum line.
- Brush your tongue as well to help keep your breath fresh.
It’s also a good idea to go to the dentist twice a year. Aside from looking for symptoms of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help you keep your teeth exceptionally clean and may teach you how to brush and floss properly.
Foods that are good for your teeth
When it comes to dining, your teeth are the actual stars. They work hard to break down all the goodness that passes your lips, so knowing which foods are healthy and harmful for them in your regular diet is critical. If you want to avoid tooth sensitivity, decay, damage, a darker smile, or staining, there are some foods you should consume more frequently to help improve your dental health.
Milk
Milk is high in calcium, which can help develop strong teeth and enhance dental hygiene, according to 2006 research.
“Calcium is one of the primary components that make up enamel, the outer coating of the tooth,” explains Dr. Cattanese. Any meal abundant in calcium is beneficial to your teeth in general.”
One exception is for younger children who still use a bottle.
Yogurt
While yogurt contains calcium, eating the popular breakfast dish may also be beneficial to your gastrointestinal tract owing to the bacteria present in it. According to 2013 research, probiotic yogurt can help reduce enamel demineralization.
When it comes to oral health, avoid yogurt with a lot of sugar. It’s great for breakfast with fruit or as a basis for dips.
Cheese
Cheese is one of the greatest foods to eat if you want to maintain good tooth health. The calcium and protein-rich dairy product is an excellent snack, and a study published in the May/June 2013 edition of General Dentistry revealed that eating cheese may help protect teeth against cavities.
Casein is a protein found in many dairy products, particularly cheese. A 2004 study discovered that casein can help to demineralize dental enamel.
Water
It should come as no surprise that water is good for any diet. Fortunately, fluoride is present in many water sources in the United States, but not all. Having said that, he suggests seeing your dentist twice a year for fluoride treatments or doing fluoride at home.
To maintain a brighter smile, consume water and clear beverages instead of coffee, black tea, soda, and wine, which Dr. Cattanese claims are the worst tooth stains.
Green tea
While it is advisable to avoid black tea as much as possible to minimize discoloration, there are some benefits to drinking green tea for your teeth. Fortunately, green tea includes fluoride, which aids in the development of stronger teeth. According to 2012 research, the antioxidants in the hot beverage may also play a role in improving periodontal health.
Carrots
Carrots, which are great for snacking, soups, and roasting, are abundant in vitamin A, B6, biotin, and fiber while being low in fat. They’re also good for your teeth because of their tougher texture.
Celery
Dr. Cattanese pointed out that, like carrots, celery has a rough texture that may be used as a toothbrush for your teeth. This is especially true because you’ll be chewing on the healthy vegetable, which will produce extra saliva in your mouth.
Celery, which is high in vitamin C, is also high in antioxidants, which can aid gum health and reduce inflammation. Toss celery with peanut butter or cream cheese as a snack, or add it to your favorite soup recipe.
Broccoli
Once again, broccoli is an abrasive vegetable that will remove plaque and other bothersome items from between the teeth.
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes or as a side dish with your favorite meal. It also includes fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
Onions
Eating a raw onion works similarly to eating other hard vegetables in that it acts as a toothbrush to eliminate plaque. Furthermore, the research found that the antibacterial vegetable might help eliminate undesirable germs in the mouth.
Sugar-free- gums and candies
Who knew that chewing gum or eating candy might be beneficial to your teeth? So long as it’s sugar-free. “Sugar-free gum or sweets stimulates your salivary ducts to generate more saliva,” explains Dr. Cattanese. Cavities are more likely in those who have dry mouths. Dry mouth is relieved by sugar-free sweets and gum.”
To minimize sensitivity and other oral problems, he advises avoiding sticky or sour candy.
Leafy greens
Because it takes a lot of effort to break down fibrous leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, or kale when chewing, comparable to sugar-free sweets and gum, eating them.
“Leafy greens are beneficial for your general health and will keep your mouth healthy,” adds Dr. Cattanese.
Apples
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), limiting your sugar intake, particularly meals with added sugar, such as many sweets, will help protect your teeth. Fruits, on the other hand, only contain natural sugars. You still don’t want to overindulge in anything high in sugar, but dentists recommend this fruit.
“Apples have texture and will remove items from your mouth because they are fibrous,” Dr. Cattanese explains.
Fish
Certain fish, especially sardines, mackerel, tuna, and salmon, are good for your teeth because they are high in calcium and vitamin D, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
Raisins
According to a 2009 research, grape products, especially raisins, are beneficial to dental health. Previously, in 2005, researcher Christine D. Wu discovered that raisins contain phytochemicals that can combat the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease in the mouth. Another study from 2016 demonstrated their value to dental health. So there is plenty of evidence to back up the magic of raisins for your teeth.
So there’s lots of evidence that raisins are good for your teeth. Raisins are a delicious snack that goes well with porridge or salad.
Shiitake mushrooms
Lentin, which is found in these mushrooms, has been linked to the prevention of dental decay. Toss them in a stir-fried or with sautéed onions for a quick and healthful side dish.
Strawberries
Strawberries include fiber, vitamin C, folate, and manganese, as well as malic acid, which has been shown to naturally whiten teeth. Malic acid may also be present in a variety of other fruits, including apples.
Pineapple
Bromelain is present in pineapple and has been proven in tests to have anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties. Fortunately, pineapples are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are beneficial to tooth health.
Ginger
This is not only improves gastrointestinal health but when used in mouth rinses, it has been shown to reduce tooth decay, according to 2019 research. Ginger is also a wonderful (and inexpensive) way to spice up meals.
Red peppers
Red peppers, like other hard vegetables, are fibrous and high in vitamin C, making them great for tooth cleaning. Because vitamin C aids in the preservation of bones and teeth, it is critical to include vitamin C-rich foods in your diet.
Almonds
Almonds are high in protein and calcium and make an excellent sugar-free snack or salad topper. Dr. Cattanese adds before offering a warning to remember while eating the hard nut.
Eggs
According to the American Dental Association, high-phosphorus meals and lean proteins like meat not only include protein, but phosphorus also interacts with calcium to help strengthen your teeth.
To promote healthy oral health, eat a piece of beef (which is also high in iron and B12) or pork with crisp vegetables.
Liver
The liver is high in vitamin D, which, as we knew, converts to calcium in the body, resulting in stronger teeth. Although it may not be the most appealing food, the liver is high in iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making it an excellent choice for tooth health.
Seeds
Poppy, sesame, and chia seeds are high in calcium, which promotes healthy teeth. Their abrasive texture will even help to remove plaque from your teeth, but don’t leave bothersome seeds in your teeth for too long.
Garlic
While garlic may be terrible for your breath, it turns out to be beneficial to your dental health. The plant, which is renowned to provide a unique flavor to a variety of meals, includes allicin, which has antimicrobial qualities. Are you looking for something else? Here are the 22 Best and Worst Breathing Foods.
Worst food for your teeth
The causes of tooth decay are the same regardless of age. Tooth decay happens when you have a plaque with bacteria that feeds on the sugar in your diet, causing cavities. Cavities form as a result of bacteria metabolizing sugar and converting it to acid, which dissolves your tooth structure.
You’ll discover which things you should avoid, or at the very least restrict, in order to maintain your teeth as healthy as possible.
Foods That Are Bad for Your Teeth
Most individuals understand that exercise and a balanced diet are critical to their overall health. Do you understand, however, how vital a healthy mouth is for a healthy body?
Poor dental health can have a negative influence on your whole quality of life by impacting your emotional, physical, and social well-being. Missing teeth, oral diseases, and oral discomfort can all have an impact on how you:
- Eat\Speak\Socialize
Certain meals might lead to dental problems that can have a negative impact on your health. Here are some of the most damaging meals to your teeth:
Candies and sugary sweets
If you must eat sweets, go for those that dissolve quickly on your tongue. Caramels, lollipops, hard candies, and jelly beans are some of the sweets available. for example, make it more difficult for your saliva to wash away the sugar. Certain high-sugar sweets can promote tooth decay, including:
- Cakes \Cookies \Pies
- Other dessert options
If you can’t stop yourself from eating sweets, consume them after a major meal rather than between meals. Also, if at all feasible, clean your teeth after eating anything sugary.
Beverages
Acid is present in soft drinks, whether sugar-free or not. They can be harmful to teeth, leading to increased cavities and tooth erosion. Soft drinks should be avoided if you want to maintain your teeth healthy. Instead, drink unsweetened tea or water. If you must consume soft beverages, avoid cleaning your teeth soon afterward since acid weakens the structure of your teeth, leaving them more prone to decay.
Pickle
Vinegar contains acid, which is necessary for the pickling process. This acid not only stains but also wears away the enamel of your teeth. Most pickled foods also include sugar, which contributes to tooth decay.
Wine
Erosive acid, found in white and red wine, weakens enamel. Red wine includes tannins, which can dry out your mouth and discolor your teeth. If you want to consume wine, make sure to wash your teeth first. This can aid in reducing the amount of plaque that wine can adhere to. It’s also a good idea to wait 30 minutes after consuming wine before cleaning your teeth to avoid brushing the wine out of your teeth.
Fruits with citrus peels
Citrus fruits may be an important part of a healthy diet. However, if you consume a large amount of it on its own, the citric acid in the fruit can erode away at your dental enamel, leaving your teeth prone to cavities. Lemons, limes, and grapefruit, in particular, are quite acidic. When drinking juice, use a straw to allow some of the acids to flow through your teeth.
Crackers
Crackers contain refined carbohydrates, and several studies have identified correlations between excessive refined carbohydrate consumption and increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a major factor in many chronic illnesses, including periodontitis and gingivitis (inflammation around the tissues supporting your teeth).
Beverages for Sports
Sweet, viscous beverages, such as some high-carb sports drinks, should be avoided. These are not only acidic, but the viscous liquid may remain on your teeth for an extended period of time. When it comes to recharging after an exercise, water is typically the best option.
Sugar
Sugar is sugar, whether it’s brown sugar, refined white sugar, or honey. What matters most is not how much you eat, but how frequently you consume it. Sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth that lasts for several hours after you ingest it.
Sugar is also included in processed meals such as spaghetti sauce and ketchup. Juices labeled “no added sugar” nevertheless contain natural sugar.
If you eat high-sugar items, you should eat them with meals rather than as snacks since you create more saliva in your mouth during meals, which helps neutralize acid formation.
After a meal, wait around 20 minutes before cleaning your teeth. This will let your saliva demineralize the enamel that the acid has dissolved.
Sauce for Pasta
While tomatoes are nutritious, they are acidic. When you eat spaghetti with tomato sauce, you are doing double harm to your enamel because the acidic sauce is eroding your tooth enamel and the carbohydrates in the pasta are feeding germs that cause cavities. Instead, try some cheese-laden spaghetti.
Vinegar of Apple Cider
Although apple cider vinegar is well-known for its purifying effects, it is very acidic and can swiftly destroy your dental enamel. If you consume apple cider vinegar, mix it with water and drink it all at once rather than sipping it. After that, thoroughly rinse your mouth and teeth.
Fruits Dried
Although dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, and pineapple are delicious, eating them on a regular basis may cause dental damage. Dried fruit includes a high concentration of sugar, and its sticky nature might cause it to adhere to your teeth.
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