To have a beautiful smile it is necessary to have a healthy mouth. Optimal dental health is the combination of cleanliness and nutrition. In addition to brushing teeth daily and flossing, the foods we include in our daily diet also affect the health of our teeth.

 

The specialists recommend the care of teeth and gums since childhood. The nutrition for the dental health begins from the baby is in gestation and begin to form their mouth and dental structures. That is why a pregnant woman should include in her diet sources of proteins, vitamins C and D, calcium, phosphorus and fluoride. Then, breast milk will give you the essential nutrients during your first months.

 

The children's diet should include 2 to 3 servings of dairy a day, in order to meet the requirement of calcium and vitamin D, two important nutrients to form healthy teeth. As also, it is important to include cereals and grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats every day.

 

Mouth care continues into adulthood and the food we eat influences the health of the teeth and gums.

 

"Everyone, to a greater or lesser extent, has a bacterial flora in their mouths, bacteria process the sugar in food, whether natural or synthetic, and produce the acids that attack the dental tissue, which is why it is important to eat foods that attack bacteria in the mouth or reduce consumption of those that contain sugars. "

 

"Onions, parsley or garlic are anti-bacterial, the frequency with which one consumes healthy foods will decrease the amount of bacteria in the mouth and, therefore, the production of acids that favor the formation of bacteria will be reduced. cavities".

 

Foods that favor dental health

 

Green Tea. It contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that fights bacterial plaque. Tea catechins help kill bacteria in the mouth and, therefore, decrease cavities. It is convenient to choose the brands that offer green tea without sugar that you can also give your children as a cold or hot drink.

 

Kiwi. A single kiwi contains six times more vitamin C than an orange, providing more than 100% of the daily requirement. Vitamin C is important to maintain collagen in the gums and prevent periodontal disease. You can include it in juices or smoothies, salads or eat it alone as fruit for breakfast or mid afternoon.

 

Carrot: Eating it raw strengthens the teeth and gums.

 

Mustard. It has isothiocyanates, an antibacterial compound that prevents bacteria in the mouth from multiplying. In addition, it helps to clean the stains on the teeth produced by the cigarette and coffee.

 

Parsley. It is popularly known for helping teeth whitening and combating halitosis because it contains a substance called monoterpene that neutralizes bad breath. Include it in sauces, salads, pasta or dishes with any type of meat.

 

Cheese. It is rich in calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals for the health of teeth. The cheese helps to balance the pH of the mouth, rebuilds the tooth enamel and stimulates the production of saliva. Include it in sandwiches or salads.

 

Apple. This fruit helps to reduce cavities, since it contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that acts as an anti-bactericide. Include apple with peel in your children's snack.

 

Celery. Helps fight halitosis. To eat a stick of celery requires a lot of chewing, which stimulates the production of saliva that also helps clean teeth.

 

Apple and celery are some of the crispy foods that help sweep bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the teeth, since their texture generates friction when we bite them. In addition, this friction massages the gums, promotes irrigation and helps keep them healthy.

 

Water. It is the best moisturizer that helps eliminate toxins from our body. It favors a good hydration of the gums and stimulates the production of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria. Essential for our oral health.

Onion and garlic, two large anctibacterials

 

Onions contain anti-bactericidal substances and their effects are better when raw. Include onions in salads and add a little lemon. The same happens with garlic, which, despite its penetrating perfume, contains allicin, an agent responsible for eliminating bacteria.

 

Sugar, the worst enemy

The appearance of caries is due to the production of acids that are formed by the fermentation of bacteria from sugars in the mouth. Acids reduce the pH of dental plaque and form cavities.

Both the amount of sugar and the frequency with which it is consumed are factors that determine the increase in tooth decay and dental problems. Therefore, it is important to take care that the nutrition of children is reduced in sugar to prevent the development of caries.

According to the American Dietis Association