When you think about boosting your health, what immediately comes to mind? Is it going to the gym? Is it dieting? How about meditating? Well, this is something that usually varies from person to person. But when it comes to your oral health, it’s just not negotiable, as there are multiple aspects that need to be taken into account, such as seeing a dentist twice a year, brushing your teeth three times a day, flossing, and of course, watching what you eat.
So, when people plan out their meals (when they do), calories are usually taken into account. Not too much else is really considered, like how something could affect their teeth. Sure, people know not to eat hard foods, as that can be bad for their teeth, but that seems to be about as far as it goes. Planning your meals can be a game-changer, not just for your waistline but for your teeth, too. If you’ve ever wondered how to tweak your eating habits to boost your oral health, then this is exactly what you need to know!
Understand What Your Teeth Need
So, this is a little elementary, but it never really hurts to go back to the basics when it comes to improving your oral health. So, before you start planning, it’s good to know which nutrients contribute most to healthy teeth. For example, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin C are stars when it comes to oral health.
So, to give you a little lesson here, calcium and phosphorus help to rebuild enamel, and vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium efficiently. As for vitamin C, this strengthens your gums and the soft tissues in your mouth. For the most part, nearly all whole foods have these, so you might not need to put such a big emphasis on them.
Timing is Everything
How often you eat can be just as important as what you eat when it comes to oral health- that’s actually something a lot of people don’t know about! Snacking constantly can expose your teeth to a continuous flow of acids since most foods contain sugars and starches. Besides, most snacks aren’t exactly the healthiest either. So, instead, try to just eat at mealtimes, and if you need a snack, choose something tooth-friendly like cheese or nuts, which can actually help neutralize acids and reduce tooth decay.
Consider pH Levels
So, you might have already known this, but too much of something can be a bad thing on your teeth, not just starches and sugars, but acids too. Acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay (and just making eating more challenging). So that’s why you might be better off incorporating a balance of acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits with more alkaline options like green vegetables to help keep your mouth’s pH levels balanced.
You Need a Lot of Water
You’re better off just drinking water and maybe a dairy product here and there. Sure, this advice might be low-hanging fruit, but this is still important! Consider starting your meal with a glass of water and sipping more throughout your meal to aid digestion and keep your mouth clean.
