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Give diet more teeth
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There is a vital correlation between diet and dental health, a fact grossly ignored by people. Nutritionist MUMTAZ KHALID ISMAIL on dietary habits which will ensure the health of one's pearly teeth.
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GOOD HEALTH is essential for the great experience of living. To achieve this adequate food of the right type is the foremost necessity. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for chewing which together with salivation ensures good digestion. The need for regular brushing is well established but the importance of diet in dental health is not so widely known.
The two common dental diseases are dental caries and periodontal diseases. Dental caries is a pathological process involves localised demineralisation and disintegration of the tooth. Periodontal disease is the disease of the supporting structure of the teeth like gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Once the support to the tooth is lost it becomes loose and incapable of performing its functions. Poor oral hygiene, bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances are the major cause of periodontal diseases.
Bacteria growing on teeth, particularly on plaque causes tooth decay and gum diseases. If plaque, the sticky film on the teeth if not cleaned leads to bacterial growth. These organisms produce acids by breaking down sugar and starch and acid production results in damage of enamel.
Diet
Diet plays a great role in promoting good teeth and gums even from the time of intrauterine life. During pregnancy make sure you are getting adequate amounts of calcium, which is essential for your baby. Apart from other requirements calcium is required for healthy teeth, later in life. Dairy products, fish with bones, ragi, green leaf vegetables, sesame seeds are good sources of calcium. Vitamin D found in sunlight and oily fish aids in calcium absorption. Fluoride is necessary in early life for the formation of caries resistant teeth. Fluoride is a double edge nutrient; its deficiency as well as the excess can cause dental problems. Water, amaranth, carrots, rice, Bengal gram, brinjal, fish and tea are rich sources of fluoride. Other than calcium, vitamin D and fluoride, minerals like phosphorous and magnesium are required for the formation of the tooth enamel. These are found in meat, fish, eggs, spinach, banana and whole wheat.
Sucrose, the main component of sugar cane and beet sugar, has long been blamed for causing tooth decay but it is not the only culprit. It is possible to influence the amount and composition of plaque by varying the amount of sucrose in the diet. It has been seen that eating in between meals especially sweets is bad for the teeth. Starches do have a major role in tooth decay. This is because starches are broken down by saliva into simple sugars that are converted to enamel destroying acids by the bacteria in the mouth. Starchy foods that stick to the teeth are most likely to cause tooth decay because the acids formed from them remain in contact with the enamel rather than being washed off by saliva.
Dried fruits like dates, figs, raisins can have a similar effect like sticky sweets because they are high in concentrated sugars and get stuck to the teeth.
Munching between meals and sipping sugary drinks and fruit juices over long periods or just before bed increases the risk of tooth decay. Parents should not put infants to bed with a bottle of milk nor they should give babies a dummy dipped in sugar or syrup as a comforter.
Dietary modification for dental health
Replacing sweets with firm and fibrous food will retard the formation of plaque. A well balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients to support dental health.
A person who is susceptible to dental caries should avoid eating between meals and restrict the intake of sweet to once a week. Bleeding gums may be a sign of vitamin C deficiency. Deficiency of protein and vitamin A also influences immune status. Diet rich in gooseberry, citrus fruits, papaya, carrots, pulses, and tomatoes all help gingival health.
Gingivitis is a common condition that manifests as red swollen gums with a tendency to bleed. Treatment involves good nutrition, dental hygiene and periodic removal of plaque by a dental practitioner. If left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis - an advanced infection of the gums that can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall off. .
Cheese helps to fight tooth decay caused by sugary foods. It works by preventing the formation of acids in the mouth, which attack the enamel on teeth.
Tests demonstrate that cheese does not have to be swallowed to have an effect; the protection is derived just from chewing it. Molybdenum found in tooth enamel may help prevent tooth decay. Liver is one of the best sources of molybdenum. Liquorice root helps to fight decay as it is an anti-inflammatory agent and contains a substance that may help to control plaque development.
No visiting tooth fairy
FOR A set of perfect thirty-two, a few dietary rules are a must. Adhere to them and see the difference.
Eat plenty of raw vegetables.
End the meal with a fruit.
Avoid eating between meals.
Avoid very hot as well as very cold foods.
Brush after a solid meal and gargle after a sweet drink.
Restrict sweets.
Chew the food thoroughly before swallowing. It is good for the teeth and for the body.
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