A study from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that some 91 percent of American adults age 20 to 64 are diagnosed with tooth decay, also called dental caries, during any given year; 96 percent of people over the age of 65 have dental caries. Despite these numbers, there is something you can do to avoid tooth decay: eat right. There are foods you can eat that will help you enjoy greater oral health.
Calcium
Just like bones, teeth need calcium to grow and remain strong. Calcium, phosphates and vitamin D in foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt and other dairy products are excellent food choices for maintaining healthy teeth. Because teeth are mostly made of calcium, adding this mineral to your diet ensures that there is enough calcium in your body for strong bones and teeth. Other sources of calcium include broccoli, bok choy, sardines, dried beans and almonds.
Fruits and Vegetables that are high in Fiber
Fiber rich foods spur saliva flow, which is your mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away food particles, and approximately 20 minutes after you eat, saliva also works to neutralize the acids that lead to enamel erosion and cavities. Examples of fiber stocked foods include dates, raisins and figs; fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges; and vegetables like beans, Brussels sprouts and peas.
Whole Grains
Bran, brown rice and whole grain breads, cereals and pasta aren’t only good for your general health and well-being, they’re also good for your oral health, too. The B vitamins and iron in these foods help to keep gum tissue healthy, and the magnesium content is important for healthy teeth.
Green and Black Teas
Tea has compounds that combine with plaque to either kill or suppress the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. When you eat, the sugars in many foods provide a feeding ground for the bacteria in your mouth. As the bacteria feed, they excrete acids that can cause cavities. Drinking tea can help prevent cavities and reduce the chances of gum disease.
Water with Fluoride
Although bottled water is popular and convenient, most does not contain fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. Therefore, if you mostly drink bottled water, be sure to brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste and ask one of our dentists whether or not fluoride supplements are right for you.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like more information about what you can do to avoid tooth decay, then contact Los Fresnos Dental Center in Los Fresnos, TX. We happily serve the surrounding communities of Del Mar Heights, Los Cuates, Rancho Viejo, Laureles and beyond.
