What's the Best Diet to Keep my Teeth and Gums Healthy By Dr. Pamela Dassenko, DDS At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Since early childhood we are warned by parents and dentists about the dangers of eating the wrong kinds of things for our teeth, such as candy. We are told to avoid sugary soft drinks, and are admonished against eating such things as rock candy, “atomic fireballs,” “lemonheads,” and other types of candy that are so hard they sometimes cause teeth to chip or breaks. We are told that chewing bubble gum is bad for our teeth, that lollipops should be avoided, and that we need to eat our spinach. But even though we ignore many of those early bits of advice, there is lots of truth in the notion that diet has a strong correlation to dental health. Not only can biting down on a peach pit or piece of hard candy cause a crack or chip, but just neglecting to eat a balanced diet full of nutritious foods can ruin our teeth, cause cavities, and create diseased gums. The easy part to figuring out what we should eat – as opposed to what we should not eat – is that it is essentially the same diet that would be followed for any healthy diet. Lots of fresh green vegetables, a healthy dose of fresh fruits, whole grains, and other vitamin and mineral laden foods are the ticket – whether you want to get a healthy physique and lose unwanted pounds or you want to retain a sparkling smile and not lose any of your permanent teeth.

Of course sugar is a real enemy of healthy teeth because too much sugar not only deprives us of energy-giving and nutritious calories but it can etch the surface of the tooth’s enamel and lead to decay, cavities, and even serious problems like root canal procedures. Other sweeteners like honey are less harmful, and your doctor or dentist can teach you how to use things like fruit sweeteners to minimize your intake of processed white sugar.

But teeth need calcium – which we usually get from foods like milk and cheese – and they need iron and other substances that give us healthier blood and stronger tissues that comprise the inner pulp of the tooth and the all-important gums that secure and protect healthy teeth. Another often-overlooked part of any good healthy diet – especially a diet for stronger and more lasting teeth – is fresh water. Most Americans, for example, drink many more gallons of coffee, tea, beer, and soda pop each year than they do water – which is sometimes at the bottom of the list in terms of the beverages people consume. Drink plenty of water along with nutrient-rich foods for better dental health.

Of course each of us is different. Some people have illnesses or food allergies that restrict the kinds of food they should eat. Others just have an aversion to certain foods, or follow a different kind of diet for religious reasons. That’s why the real answer to what is the best kind of diet to eat to ensure healthy teeth should be arrived at in consultation with your own dentist. The dentist should be able to discuss your particular situation and help you develop a meal plan and a nutritious and affordable diet that will work for you, be convenient and appropriate, and will nourish your teeth and gums as well as the rest of your body.

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