The human body, much like any machine, works on needed fuel. This fuel comes in the form of nutrition.
Nutrition is the key to a healthy, functional body. Good nutrition means eating the right foods in the right amounts. It is essential to get all of the nutrients that your body needs to function correctly.
There are six main nutrient groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. These provide energy for your body. Vitamins and minerals help your body grow and work properly. Water helps your body stay hydrated and function properly.
The way you eat and what you eat can affect your life. But one of the most overlooked things about nutrition is how it affects oral health. So here are some things you need to know about the food you eat and your oral health.
Calcium and Teeth
Calcium is a mineral that is found in many foods. It is necessary for strong bones and teeth. When you do not get enough calcium, your body will take it from your bones. This can lead to weak bones and teeth.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are good sources of calcium. You can also get calcium from leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and kale. You can take a calcium supplement if you do not like these foods.
Additionally, vitamins A and D help the body absorb calcium. They also help keep teeth and gums healthy. Foods that are high in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and fortified milk.
Protein and Gums
Protein is important for the growth and repair of tissues. It is also necessary for healthy gums. Foods that are high in protein include meat, poultry, fish, beans, tofu, and nuts.
If you do not eat enough protein, your gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Bleeding gums can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone around your teeth, and you want to avoid this as much as possible.
Sugar and Cavities
You have probably heard that sugar is terrible for your teeth. That’s because bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar. These bacteria produce acids that can damage your tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities. In addition, it leads to many oral problems such as infections and tooth loss.
To help prevent cavities, brush your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth daily. Eat foods low in sugar, and drink water instead of sugary drinks. Additionally, you should always replace any tooth you may have lost due to cavities. Those pockets can be a haven for infection. Get a tooth replacement procedure immediately when this happens. The procedure can ensure that your mouth is safe from further damage. It can also ensure that you’ve got a full, healthy smile.
Oils and Plaque
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Plaque and tartar can cause gum disease.
Oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil can help remove plaque. Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that involves swishing oil in your mouth for 20 minutes. This helps to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Vitamin C and Gingivitis
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your body against infection. It also helps keep your gums healthy. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin C can help prevent gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease. To help prevent gingivitis, brush your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth daily. Eat foods high in vitamin C, and drink water instead of sugary drinks.
There are various ways nutrition can affect your oral health. Interestingly, specific diets have these nutrients and more. One known diet that is good for your teeth is the Keto diet.
Keto Diet and Oral Health
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It has been shown to improve oral health by reducing inflammation and plaque. The keto diet also helps to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
To follow the keto diet, you need to eat foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This includes meats, poultry, fish, oils, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables. In addition, you should avoid sugary drinks, bread, pasta, cereals, fruits, and starchy vegetables.
The keto diet is an excellent way to get your body’s nutrients for oral health. However, speaking with your dentist or doctor before starting any new diet is essential.
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to improve oral health by reducing inflammation and plaque. The keto diet also helps to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. To follow the keto diet, you need to eat foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates, including meats, poultry, fish, oils, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables. In addition, you should avoid sugary drinks, bread, pasta, cereals, fruits, and starchy vegetables. The keto diet is an excellent way to get your body’s nutrients for oral health. However, speaking with your dentist or doctor before starting any new diet is essential.
What you eat can affect your oral health. Poor nutrition can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Good nutrition helps to prevent these problems. So ensure that you get the nutrients you need for a healthy mouth.
