DENTAL PROBLEMS
FOODS THAT HARM
FOODS THAT HEAL
FOODS TO LIMIT
WHO’S AFFECTED
In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthful diet, with natural or added fluoride, protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy
Tooth decay (cavities and dental caries) and gum disease are caused by colonies of bacteria that coat the teeth with a sticky film called plaque
If plaque is not brushed away, these bacteria break down the sugars and starches in foods to produce acids that wear away the tooth enamel
The plaque also hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum inflammation, or gingivitis
A well-balanced diet provides the minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients essential for healthy teeth and gums
Fluoride, found in foods, water, and treated water supplies, has been determined safe and effective in preventing cavities, reducing rates by 40 to 60%
Another common dental problem is canker sores, which appear as painful, white or yellowish raised spots
Sores are scattered through the mouth or in large clusters
Often, canker sores heal after two weeks, but larger ulcers may last months and be accompanied by fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
The cause of canker sores is unknown, but doctors believe they’re related to stress or trauma
Nutrition Connection
Eating the right foods plays a big part in having healthy teeth and gumsFollow these guidelines: Eat foods rich in calcium
Calcium supports healthy teeth and gums
Low-fat dairy products, fortified soy and rice beverages, canned salmon or sardines (with bones), almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of calcium
Eat foods rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium
Find it in milk, fortified soy and rice beverages, and fatty fish such as salmon
Eat nutrient-dense foods
Nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene are also essential to dental health
Phosphorus, found in meat, fish, dairy products and eggs, and magnesium, found in whole grains, spinach, and legumes, are necessary for the formation of tooth enamel
Vitamin A helps build strong bones and teeth
Good sources of beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A, include orange-colored fruits and vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables
Vitamin C, found in cruciferous vegetables and citrus fruits, prevents bleeding gums
QUICK TIP:
Look for gum with xylitol Within 5 minutes after finishing a meal, chew gum for at least 5 minutesGum sweetened with xylitol helps to counter harmful bacteria in your mouth, which promote cavities
End your meals with the right foods
When consumed at the end of a meal, aged cheeses help prevent cavities
In addition to providing essential nutrients, hard fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots and celery also stimulate Fresh fruit such as apples stimulate saliva flow, which decreases mouth acidity and washes away food particles
They also reduce buildup of cavity-causing bacteria
Avoid sticky items such as dried fruit
Avoid starchy and sugary foods
Sugary foods may seem obviously linked to cavities, but starchy foods, such as sweetened cereals or cakes, also make teeth prone to decay
The starches mix with amylase, an enzyme in saliva, to create an acid bath that erodes enamel
Try a diet of bland, soft food
If painful canker sores interfere with eating, try sipping liquid or pureed foods through a straw
Foods that cause the least pain include yogurt, custard, rice, and poached chicken
Avoid salty and acidic food
Check to see if your water supply is fluoridated
Not all municipalities fluoridate their water supply, so contact your municipal office
Cavities can be prevented by giving children fluoride in the first few years of life
Fluoride is supplied through fluoridated water, beverages made with fluoridated water, tea, and some fish, as well as many brands of toothpaste and some mouthwash
Fluoride supplements are available for children who don’t have access to fluoridated drinking water, but note that excess fluoride consumption can cause mottling of the teeth
KEEP YOUR KIDS TEETH HEALTHY
Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay because their teeth are still forming enamel and haven’t finished hardeningParents should:
Beyond the Diet
Because a chronically dry mouth also contributes to decay, it’s helpful to incorporate the following strategies to stimulate saliva and take good care of your teeth and gums: Chew gumSugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which decreases acid and flushes out food particles
Rinse and brush after eating
Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after eating are important strategies to prevent cavities
Always brush your teeth before going to bed
Saliva flow slows during sleep; going to bed without brushing the teeth is especially harmful
Check your medications
Certain drugs cut down saliva flow, such as clonidine, which is used to treat high blood pressure and ADHD in kids, and heart medications atropine and propranolol
Take care of your gums
Left untreated, gum diseases such as gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, an advanced infection that can cause teeth to loosen and fall out
People on medications such as chemotherapy drugs or steroids are particularly at risk for gum disease, as well as those who have diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS
Furthermore, gum disease has also been linked to endocarditis, a condition where bacteria enters the bloodstream
See a dentist every 6 months
Regular checkups keep teeth and gums healthy
Importance of well balance diet
