Mindful eating is equally important as brushing and flossing your teeth. The diet plan and food that we choose for ourselves also affect the health of our teeth and gums. All the calcium, vitamins, etc. required for our gums and teeth directly come from the food we consume.
Dr. Kevin Molldrem says that oral health is not just a concern for a beautiful smile but also for maintaining overall health and wellness. Therefore, mindful eating is important to maintain oral health and to make our teeth and gums healthy and strong. Let’s discuss some of the best choices you should consider in your diet plan:
- Diary Delights
Diary products are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients that help strengthen tooth enamel. Consume dairy products like milk,curd, cheese,etc. Diary products help to maintain pH levels and eliminate other health issues and risks. The dairy products have a higher protein content, which helps to repair gum tissues and maintain oral health, reducing the risk of oral diseases. Chesse also provides protection from acidic substances and bacteria by building a protective layer on the teeth.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies
Consumption of crunchy fruits and vegetables helps to scrub away plaque and debris and activate saliva. Like a natural toothbrush, it improves oral hygiene. Vegetables and fruits are a healthier choice because they are high in vitamins and minerals in addition to taste. Consume crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, beetroot,etc. These fruits and vegetables are also considered to be a rich source of water and fiber, which improves blood as well. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are great sources to maintain oral and overall health.
- Water for hydration
Staying hydrated is essential not only for your general health but also for your oral health. Consumption of water before and after your meal helps to prevent acid production and enamel erosion. It also provides protection from bacteria. It eliminates the problem of bad breath and will moisten your mouth. Dr. Kevin Molldrem says that when it comes to diet plans, everyone’s top priority should be water because:
- It defends against tooth decays and other gum problems
- Prevents mouth acidity
- Rinse food particles
- Keep your gums hydrated.
- Protein rich foods
Foods high in protein are excellent for maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums. Eat foods high in phosphorus, such as tofu, nuts, fish, and chicken. It helps to keep your gums healthy and infection free. These sources are far healthier choices for strong and healthy teeth because they do not contain any added sugar. Other benefits:
- Repair gum tissues
- Prevents oral infection
- Strengthen muscles and immune system
- Avoiding sugary treats
The majority of people enjoy eating sweets and desserts with a lot of added sugar, which can lead to gum disease and cavities. Choose less sugary snacks and desserts and avoid consumption of high-sugar sources. Practice the habit of rinsing your mouth after consuming sugary sources. Sugar substances produce acid in the mouth by interacting with bacteria, which produces a sticky layer and hard plaque, resulting in bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems. Avoid the consumption of excessive sugar to maintain your oral health.
- Avoiding alcohol
Alcohol consumption is harmful for your general and oral health. The consumption of alcohol reduces saliva production, which will dehydrate your body, and increases the production of acid in your mouth. A reduction in saliva production increases the chances of infection, gum issues, and other diseases. Alcohol consumption can lead to the problem of oral cancer as it harms the gum tissues. It also promotes bacterial infections and affects enamel as it contains acid and sugar substances.
- Leafy greens and salads
Greeny leaves and salads are a rich source of calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Consumption of green veggies and salads like cucumber, spinach, broccoli, etc. promotes oral health and prevents oral health issues.
- Chew slowly and thoroughly
In order to ensure proper digestion, chew your food slowly and thoroughly. This will help you protect your teeth and gums from acidic substances by mixing up saliva in them and breaking it down into smaller parts, which helps in proper digestion. Chewing slowly and thoroughly prevents overeating as well.
- Limit snacking
Be aware of what you are eating. Is it healthier or just a source of junk?. Snack consumption is just like junk consumption, which increases the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and other problems. Always go for healthier diet plans and options.
ConclusionIn conclusion, practice the mentioned mindful eating habits to maintain the health and wellness of your teeth and gums. Simple choices and well diet plan can have a great and positive impact on your oral and general health as well. Dr. Kevin Molldrem concluded that mindful eating habits are simple and crucial to take into consideration because, overall, health primarily depends on the eating choices we make and what do we actually eat both should be healthy.