Role of Good Nutrition for Healthy Teeth
Just brushing and flossing the teeth for protection from decay of teeth and maintaining healthy gums is incomplete without support of fluoride in the toothpaste or sourced from diet. The tooth decaying noticed by cavities and caries occur due to massive bacterial growth in the oral cavity creating an unhealthy coating on teeth called plaque. In the early stages it is possible to remove the plaque by hard brushing.
In case one is negligent and allows plaque to remain it becomes permanently attached along with bacteria on it. The bacteria acts on sugars and carbohydrates yielding acids, which make the tooth enamel weak. The plaque gets hard to become tartar responsible for inflammatory condition of gums called gingivitis.
The properly balanced diet is source for minerals, vitamins and nutrition necessary for health of teeth and gums. Fluoride is available from water as well as from food. Fluoride is good for preventing decay taking place in teeth more especially in children. Check the fluorination content of water in the region, if it is deficient then fluorine supplement should be considered for children. Some brands of toothpaste and mouth wash provide fluorine and they should be used routinely. Fluorine in excess can be harmful.
One needs to consume phosphorus, vitamin A and beta carotene from the diet, because they have a role tooth enamel formation.
- Phosphorus can be obtained from meat, fish and eggs.
- Magnesium can be obtained from whole grains, spinach and banana.
- Vitamin A is helpful for sturdy bones and teeth. Vitamin A can be synthesized by body from Beta carotene found in orange colored fruits and vegetables.
A lady having pregnancy should care for right nutrition aspects more particularly Calcium and Vitamin D, which lays the foundation of child’s healthy teeth. One can easily source Calcium from skimmed dairy milk, soy preparations and dark green leafy vegetables.
