Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Food to give you a bright smile

Are you really what you eat? Well, your teeth can attest to that. A quick bite of your favourite meal may satisfy your hunger and cravings, but what is it doing to your teeth? It’s important to remember, your milk teeth days are gone. The pearly whites you have today are the only ones you’ll have for your life, so we need to look after them!

As you age, your tooth enamel tends to degrade. Aside from brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, certain foods can strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, ward off gum disease, and even whiten your teeth.

The villains

Nip that butt

Smoking has serious health consequences, and stains your teeth. This is caused by the nicotine and tar in tobacco. Smoking can also cause tooth loss, gum disease, bad breath and diminish your sense of taste.

Guilty pleasure

Foods that contain sugars can contribute to tooth decay. Sweets and fizzy drinks are culprits in causing the hard, outer layer of your teeth to wither away. Bacteria, and bad oral hygiene habits cause more decay, which later leads to tiny holes in the teeth. These acids can cause the tooth enamel to break down and form a cavity.

Nutrition and oral health

If your diet lacks the necessary nutrients, your mouth may have a difficult time fighting off infection. Make an effort to restrict the amount of sugar you eat. Read food labels and choose low-sugar foods and drinks.

Brighten your smile

Strawberries 

These berries are packed with malic acid; an enzyme that naturally makes teeth whiter.

Milk, yoghurt and cheese

Dairy products contain lactic acid. These may help protect against decay. Research suggests that the proteins in yoghurt can bind to your teeth and prevent an attack by harmful acids that cause cavities. A study has found that kids who ate yoghurt four times a week had less tooth decay than kids who didn’t.

Pineapples

Pineapple naturally contains bromelain; a compound with anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. It’s been found to be an effective ingredient in stain-removing toothpastes.

Apples

This fruit may be sweet, but it’s also high in fibre and water. Eating an apple produces saliva in your mouth, which rinses away bacteria and food particles.

Celery

Just like how your toothbrush scrapes away food particles and bacteria from your teeth, the crunch of celery as you chew does the same. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C and has antioxidants that can boost the health of your gums.

Carrots

Carrots can be your cavity-fighting friend. Sticks of raw and crunchy carrots act as a natural toothbrush. The vegetable contains Vitamin A, which is vital for strengthening delicate tooth enamel. Snack on a carrot as an in-between-meal treat to massage your gums and clean in between teeth.

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