Written by: Dr. Grace Yum
Many people don’t realize that there is a major
connection between what you eat and your overall dental health. In the 15th century
many sailors developed scurvy while on long voyages and they found that eating
citrus often solved the problem. Vitamin C has a direct effect on the
collagen in the mouth and helps prevent mouth sores.
These days’ mouth sores are still common and can be
helped by having enough vitamin C whether in tablet form or eating fruits and
vegetables with vitamin C. Another mineral that is found in milk and
dairy products is calcium. Calcium is not only important in growing
healthy strong bones, but healthy teeth as well! Did you know that the
enamel on your teeth is stronger than the bones in your body?! Therefore,
encouraging milk drinking and dairy products can help keep you and
your kids’ teeth healthy!
Food that is not healthy for your teeth are those
that are sugary and sticky which can cause tooth decay. The sugar allows
plaque bacteria to form a biofilm on teeth that releases acid and therefore
breaks down enamel, causing tooth decay. Sugar comes in obvious forms
such as candy and other baked goods. But it can come in hidden forms such
as organic fruit juices, fruit pouches, dried fruit (raisins). The
Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
recommends only 4 ounces of juice per day.
Being mindful of what you eat will help keep your
mouth and teeth healthy! Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor and
dentist away!
www.yummydental.com
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