What foods are good for tooth and gum health?
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American Dental Association answered:Everyone knows that a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to healthy living. But did you know that eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, too? You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing—the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your oral health.
- Fruits and vegetables. Combined, these should cover half your plate at meals.
- Grains. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice.
- Dairy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods most often.
- Protein. Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Vary your protein choices to also include eggs, beans, peas and legumes. Eat at least eight ounces of seafood a week.
Everyone knows that a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to healthy living. But did you know that eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, too? You may eat with your... More -
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:While teeth require much of the same good nutrition the rest of your body needs, some nutrients play a more specific role in oral health:
- Calcium and Vitamin D -- Calcium is vital to building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, and vitamin D is essential to absorbing calcium and regulating how much of it remains in your blood. Dairy foods provide the calcium and vitamin D you need for strong teeth; some aged cheeses may help protect your teeth from cavities by increasing saliva flow which lowers acid levels in the mouth.
- B-Vitamins and Iron -- Whole-grains are a good source of B vitamins for growth and iron for a rich blood supply to keep teeth and gums healthy.
- Vitamin C -- Fruits like guava, papaya, oranges and strawberries and vegetables like broccoli, peppers and tomatoes contain vitamin C, which helps keep gums healthy.
While teeth require much of the same good nutrition the rest of your body needs, some nutrients play a more specific role in oral health: Calcium and Vitamin D -- Calcium is vital to building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, and... More
