Dental Health & Smile Solutions

Dear Steemians, our mouth, teeth and gums are more than just an apparatus for the body when it comes to eating. They accomplish the most important functions of chewing and swallowing — which is the first step in proper digestion. And since the mouth becomes our first point of contact with nutrients' consumption, it has the maximum influence on our teeth and gum health. Dr Karishma Vijan, cosmetic and restorative dentist, Mumbai, explains the commonly faced oral health issues, such as tooth decay, bad mouth odour, tooth discoloration and staining, and also gives us quick-to-use home remedies to tackle them.

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DIET AND TOOTH DECAY

■ Foods that constitute sugars of any kind can lead to tooth decay. Almost all foods items, including milk and vegetables, contain some type of sugar. However, we cannot stop consuming them as they also contain important nutrients and proteins.

■ To keep control on the amount of sugar intake, read food labels and opt for foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Snacks like chips are a cause for dental decay as they provide no nutritional value but become a hub for cavity, causing bacteria to thrive upon. The bacteria present in your mouth turn these sugars into acids that can dissolve the tooth structure, leading to tooth decay.

■ While excessive coffee, tea, berries and red wine can stain the teeth, sugar-containing drinks — soda, juice, lemonade and sweetened tea or coffee (iced or hot) — are particularly harmful because sipping them causes a constant sugar flow over teeth, which promotes tooth decay.

NOTE:
Certain foods, that are nutritious but acidic, like tomatoes and citrus fruits, can have an acidic effect on the tooth enamel. It is hence essential to eat them as part of a meal, not by themselves.

Dry fruits, such as raisins, are a good choice but they are sticky and adhere to teeth. The sugar acids produced will continue to remain on the teeth long after consuming them due to its sticky nature. You can opt for a piece of fresh fruit instead or have them as part of your whole meal.

FOODS THAT BENEFIT DENTAL HEALTH

♦ Foods that are high in calcium and other nutrients are excellent for tooth health. These include cheese, milk, plain yoghurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds. Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, poultry and eggs are the best sources of phosphorus. Both these minerals play a crucial role when it comes to dental health, by protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel.

♦ Vegetables and fruits are an excellent choice of diet for a great healthy smile. Due to their high fibre and water content, the sugar content is well-balanced in them. These foods also help increase the production of saliva, which washes away harmful acids and food particles from the teeth and helps neutralize acids, protecting teeth from decay.

♦ Also, many vegetables contain vitamin C, which is essential for gum health and normal wound healing, and vitamin A, a key nutrient in building tooth enamel in adequate amounts.

SUGAR SUBSTITUTES AND TEETH HEALTH

Health conscious individuals are often seen opting for sugar substitutes instead of regular sugar to prevent cavities. While it is an excellent habit to cultivate, it is equally important to understand that artificial sugars can be just as bad and have been linked to diabetes and heart disease.

WAYS TO GET A BRIGHTER SMILE

Below are some easy and fun tips one can follow to maintain a healthy set of teeth.

O Consume more strawberries. They contain malic acid, that helps dissolve stain.

O Purchase a home whitening kit from your dentist. It is easy to use with customised trays, and can be simply used half-an-hour before an event.

O Use a banana peel. Take a piece of the banana peel and gently rub its inside portion around your teeth for about two minutes, and then rinse.

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CAVITIES

O Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to remove sugar and food particles from your teeth.
O Limit between-meal snacking.
O Rinse after having a sugary snack or meal.
O Have a healthy diet —including foods from five major groups (proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables, carbohydrate).

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BREATH FRESH

O Brush and floss twice a day.
O Consume xylitol containing chewing gum.
O Chew on tulsi, peppermint and basil leaves to keep your mouth smelling fresh. Stay hydrated.
O Consume green tea regularly.