Eat These Delicious Meals for Lifelong Teeth
Teeth are basically made up of calcium and have a protective covering called ‘enamel’ which keeps them white, strong and healthy. When the enamel wears out or dissolves because of abrasive toothpastes and lack of nutrition, the tooth chips, breaks and becomes discolored.
Apart from the enamel, the tooth is made up of dentin, cementum below the gum line and dental pulp on the inner live part of the tooth. However, the enamel is the layer that is directly affected by the food that we eat. Enamel is made of 96% minerals, and 4% water and organic material.
So What Foods Strengthen Teeth?
The food we eat contains many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. These work together with the enzymes in our body to repair and maintain the body. Like carbohydrates give energy to the muscles and proteins help repair the body cells, certain meals contain nutrients which strengthen teeth.
Food containing Calcium: Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt, all kinds of Seafood, Almonds and Tofu.
Food containing Protein such as red and white Meat, Eggs, Broth and Chickpeas
Food containing Vitamin D: The best source of Vitamin D is obviously sunlight, besides that good food sources are Fish, Eggs and Cod Liver Oil.
Food containing Vitamin C: Think of bright colors! Oranges, Strawberries, Kiwi, Broccoli, Kale and Bell Peppers.
Food containing Probiotics and Antioxidants: Lots of nuts – think muesli and shakes! Berries, Grapes and Raisins; Brazil nuts and Pumpkin Seeds. Also, Apples, Nuts, Beans, Sauerkraut, Kampuchea and Miso.
Some delicious meals you can eat to strengthen your teeth:
• Almond Glazed Chicken Wings with sautéed Broccoli
• Fish tacos with Citrus salad
• Strawberry Bran Bars
• Fruit and Nut Shakes.
• Sauerkraut and Beef Sausages.
• Spanish Omelets with a Chickpea salad.
• Pumpkin bread with grilled bell peppers and Tofu.
• Baked beans with spicy prawns.
• Muesli with Strawberries, Blueberries and Raisins.
It’s never too late, before addressing any issue related to your smile, gums, teeth, and other oral or in general health issues, consult with Dr. Jean-Jacques Edderai. A dental prophylaxis or cleaning as previously mentioned including our check-up every three to four months will allow Dr. Edderai to keep a watchful eye on your oral health and prevent cavities or minor problem before they start. For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, visit my FAQ page at http://www.northmiamibeachdentist.com/faqs/.
Remember the best advice from your Dentist “Unaddressed issues will never get resolved by themselves”.
Copyright Dr. Jean-Jacques Edderai- 2017