Strong, healthy teeth are a great luxury in the modern civilization of sugar and artificial sweeteners. And our concern for the condition of the teeth is quite natural. We know that excessive consumption of sweets can cause tooth decay, and addiction to caffeine can lead to unaesthetic yellow plaque. But there are foods that are not only safe for the teeth, but also very useful.
Morning and evening brushing is mandatory and non-negotiable, but what about naturally brushing your teeth after an afternoon snack? According to dentists and oral hygienists, cleaning the mouth with certain products is an excellent way to prevent tooth decay and other dental and gum disease. Here is a list of "natural toothbrushes":
Apples
One apple a day and you can forget about the dentist - this phrase should become a kind of saying and be firmly remembered by everyone who watches their smile. “The fibrous peel of apples helps to cleanse teeth and act as a natural gum massager. The juicy flesh will also help remove food debris from between your teeth. Of course, sometimes even pieces of apple pulp get stuck, so do not forget about dental floss,”explains British dentist Sakina Syed.
But the expert warns that the apple has a fairly high content of natural sugars, so after eating an apple, you should rinse your mouth.
Greens and salads
Kale, spinach, and celery are ideal snack options. They contain a large amount of fiber and at the same time are low in calories, do an excellent job of removing food debris from between the teeth, and, moreover, they contain calcium, which is so important for strong teeth. “Teaching kids to eat enough green vegetables can be a challenge, but there is an option: add kale or spinach to the sandwich instead of the usual lettuce,” says Syed.
Carrot
Fruits and vegetables with a fibrous structure are good for the teeth, but carrots have several other benefits. Crispy vegetables require more effort to chew, which stimulates salivation to naturally cleanse your teeth. Plus, carrots have a lot of B vitamins, which prevent the development of gingivitis - inflammation of the gums.
Nuts
Nuts have long been called superfood for their high content of healthy fats and proteins, but they are as good for the teeth as carrots - the increased chewing process stimulates salivation. Plus, nuts are rich in calcium.
Cheese
This is a fairly high-calorie product, and when using it, you should know when to stop. But, if you don't eat too much cheese, a small bite will be very good for your teeth. “Cheese is high in phosphate and calcium, which strengthens teeth and bones and helps balance the pH in the mouth. This means less acid destructive to the enamel and less diseases in the oral cavity,”says Syed.
If dental health is really important, then you should know what food is best to avoid. In the list of products hazardous to teeth:
Sweets
Everyone knows about the destructive effect of sugar on enamel, but, as Professor Damien Walmsley, a consultant to the British Dental Association, says, hard sweets like candies and caramel are worst of all. We are talking about the risk of breaking a tooth or getting chipped enamel.
Alcohol
While nuts and carrots contribute to the production of saliva, which naturally cleans teeth, alcohol does the opposite. Salivation is reduced, which negatively affects the condition of the enamel. Red wine is especially destructive, as it contains pigments that cause discoloration of the enamel. Walmsley advises "drinking wine with meals to lessen the effect, and wait about an hour before brushing your teeth."
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are bad for your teeth because they contain a lot of sugar. In addition, carbon dioxide stimulates the production of acid, damaging to the enamel. In a 2013 study, experts compared the damaging effects of soda on teeth with the effects of methamphetamines.
Fruit juices
Again, the sugar content is too high (see also: Juice Cleanse: Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them). Walmsley strongly recommends no more than one small glass of fruit juice per day, with a meal.
Crisps
Although crisps are almost as crunchy as carrots, they are especially harmful due to their high starch content. This starch is broken down into sugar, which triggers the formation of destructive acid in the mouth. In addition, chips can get stuck in your teeth, which means that their harmful effects can last longer.
Photo: Getty Images
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