One of the most common actions that have the most influence on the overall health of any person is food. Everything we eat has a direct impact on our wellbeing, both positive and negative. It is therefore not surprising that caring food also take care of our oral health.
When we eat we provide the energy and nutrients needed for our body to function. And everything goes through the mouth and our teeth are the first to ‘get’ to that food, exposing themselves to dental erosion and caries, among other problems.
To prevent oral diseases is important that the diet is balanced and consumption of sweets and candies, soft drinks and acidic beverages is controlled.
These limitations will bring benefits not only to our oral health, but also to the general body. To compensate, there are foods that have been shown to have a beneficial role for the health of our mouth, such as dairy products, fruits and vegetables, fiber, green tea and black and generally foods high in vitamins.
In general, a suitable and beneficial for oral health diet should contain milk proteins, essential for the formation of teeth and whose absence can cause a significant delay in the eruption of teeth in children and predispose caries. Similarly important are calcium, vitamin D, and fluoride to the formation of strong teeth during dental calcification. Vitamins C and K are important for maintaining healthy gums and vitamin A it is essential in the formation of teeth, calcification and normal development of enamel. As for vitamin B 2 (riboflavin), its lack in the diet can cause inflammation of the tongue and the appearance of cracked lips and mouth ulcers.
To this we must add the maximum of balance and common sense, making a good diet with adequate amounts, avoiding snacking, restricting only sugar meals and, of course, drinking plenty of water.
In particular, there are segments of the population that should pay special attention to food regarding their oral health. Such is the case of pregnant women, people with braces or who have recently had oral surgery. All of them should consult their physician specialist guidelines to follow.
Finally, if the correct diet we add a good dental hygiene we have the perfect combination to maintain excellent oral health. Hygiene should include both brushing after every meal and using dental flosses and tapes, inter proximal brushes, mouthwashes, oral irrigates and tongue cleaners. And of course, the visit to the dentist and hygienist regularly 2 times a year, it is essential.
