Everyone has a different opinion, but which foods really are good for my teeth?

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by: Gloria Moody
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Word Count: 568
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2010 Time: 11:33 PM
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When it comes to oral health, your diet has an important role to play; some foods are beneficial for oral health, while others can be very damaging.

Diet is really important for all aspects of health; the food we eat determines which nutrients, minerals and vitamins our body takes in and consequently contributes to how effectively and efficiently the body works. Diet is key for oral health because the food we eat comes into direct contact with our teeth and gums; acidic foods and drinks and foods that are high in sugar weaken the enamel surface of the teeth, meaning that the teeth are weaker and susceptible to decay.

What should a healthy diet include?

A healthy diet should include foods from all the major food groups: carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fruit and vegetables. The majority of your daily calorie intake should come from carbohydrates and fruit and vegetables; fruit and vegetables contain a range of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins, and carbohydrates provide fuel for the body. Proteins and fats should be eaten as part of each meal but should form a smaller proportion of the daily calorie intake.

Good sources of carbohydrate include pasta, rice, bread and cereals. It is always best to choose wholegrain versions of these foods, as these often contain less fat and more fibre. These sources of carbohydrate provide energy over a long period of time; they are known as complex carbohydrates. All fruits and vegetables contain a range of minerals, vitamins and nutrients; it is best to try and eat a range of different fruits and vegetables as they all contain different nutrients. You should try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day; soups and juices also count towards your 5 a day so it is not always necessary to eat five separate items.

Good sources of protein include eggs, meat and poultry, fish and pulses; if you are a vegetarian try to make sure you eat plenty of cheese, eggs and pulses so that you have a sufficient protein intake. Good sources of fat include oily fish, olive oil and nuts; these foods are rich in unsaturated fats and Omega oils, which are beneficial for health.

What about the health of my teeth?

In terms of dental health, it is best to avoid foods that are high in sugar, including sweets, cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks and chocolate; these foods temporarily weaken the enamel surfaces of the teeth, which make them less resistant to decay. Instead of these foods, try to snack on fresh fruit, raw vegetables and yoghurts; if you really want sweets, try sugar-free versions and if you have to have sweets or cakes, try to eat them in one sitting, as one attack of acid is preferable to several attacks throughout the day. Fruit juice can be beneficial for health but make sure you choose a sugar-free product, as many are filled with added sugar, which can be as damaging as drinking fizzy drinks.

Foods which are high in fibre are usually beneficial for oral health, as well as general health; examples of these foods include wholegrain cereals, vegetables and fruit; some types of nut, including cashew nuts, almonds and walnuts are also good for your teeth. Calcium is extremely important for oral health; calcium helps to strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to decay; calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese and yoghurt.

About the Author

So it would seem what you eat is just as important as how much effort you put into cleaning your teeth. If you don't put much effort into either of them then dental decay and eventual tooth loss is a likely outcome. In such instances dental implants at dentist stockport.