Imagine a fine, pressed white shirt, but with a speck of ink or mud. We all know how that feels, and it can be strikingly related to cavities on otherwise perfect teeth. Apart from aesthetically unpleasing, cavities indicate sloppy oral hygiene. Cavities, if left untreated, can even lead to tooth decay. However, there is nothing to fret about; a few changes in your diet can significantly improve your oral hygiene. Let’s dive into foods to look forward to and foods to avoid to help fight cavities!
Foods containing Vitamin D and Calcium:
Many research supports vitamin-D and calcium as an anti-cavity agent. In addition, some studies even concluded that vitamin-D plays a positive role in reversing the adverse effect of cavities. Foods like cheese and dairy products are a great source of both vitamin-D and calcium. Such foods help defend against cavities efficiently.
Note: Meat is composed of muscle fibres, so is not a good option. These fibres tend to stick in between the crevices of the teeth. Hence, if left unattended, these fibres tend to do more harm than good.
Foods Rich in Fibers:
Fibrous foods, such as vegetables and fruits, are notable salivary stimulants. Saliva is alkaline in nature, and neutralizes the acid produced by plaque bacteria. Apart from its alkalinity, saliva also contains traces of Calcium and Phosphate. These minerals restore the loss due to bacterial attacks and further fortify the enamel.
Foods with Polyphenols:
Research published in the journal of bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry conduced the antibacterial properties of polyphenols. Many studies have shown that polyphenols found in green tea are efficacious, especially against plaque bacteria. A few researchers found similar results with commercially produced grapes and red wine.
Fluorinated Food:
When it comes to oral health and fighting cavities, fluoride needs no introduction. Most of us are well acquainted with fluorides due to their inclusion in toothpaste. Fluoride ions from food, such as seafood, coffee, and tap water build up in the enamel along with calcium and
phosphate. The stacking of fluoride ions in the enamel further fortifies the teeth. This helps make the enamel more resilient to bacterial acids.
Foods to Avoid:
Sour Candy and Citrus food:
Sour candies and citrus foods are acidic, and acid is the nemesis of enamel. Acid reacts with calcium and phosphate, depleting these minerals from the layer, leaving the tooth vulnerable to cavities.
Foods Rich in Starch and Carbohydrates:
Starch and Carbohydrate rich foods keep saliva busy, reducing its concentration in the mouth. The chewing action and activity of the enzyme turns food into a sticky mesh. The mesh is still rich in carbohydrates and sugar, so if they get stuck in between your teeth, it would be a feast for plaque bacteria.
Watching over your diet consciously contributes to substantial oral wellbeing. The food mentioned in this article will help fight cavities and even reverse the trend in some cases. However, in severe degradation and pain, it is better to revert from home remedies and contact a dentist as soon as possible.
To learn more about cavities, you can contact us by calling 979-3304113.