A dental surgery in East Sussex is offering advice on using certain foods to help maintain good oral health.
Bruno Silva, head dental surgeon at Brighton Implant Clinic, is advising customers which foods and drinks can assist in healthy, strong teeth.
'Maintaining oral health using conventional methods such as brushing, flossing and using mouthwash are essential, but eating certain foods can also help a great deal,' says Bruno Silva.
'People know that milk is good for teeth and bones, but it shouldn’t end there. Many foods can really benefit teeth and knowing what helps can considerably contribute to oral care.'
Brighton Implant Clinic is an award winning East Sussex dental practice with clinics in Hove, Hailsham and Brighton.
Here are Bruno’s top seven food groups to help improve dental care:
Vegetables
The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in most vegetables protect teeth and gums, and eating foods high in fibre keeps saliva flowing, which helps create mineral defences against tooth decay. Carrots and celery are also a good source of beta-carotene, which creates vitamin A – a nutrient essential for building strong teeth. Chewing crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery and other fibrous vegetables stimulate the gums.
Fruits
Fruits that are high in vitamin C are good for your teeth and for your oral health in general. Fruits such as strawberries are especially beneficial as they contain anti-oxidants, which have a natural exfoliating agent that can help to remove tartar. Strawberries can also have a whitening effect on your teeth.
Sugarfree gum
Chewing gum can actually prevent tooth decay, not only because it helps to dislodge food particles from the teeth, but also because it contains xylitol – a chemical that increases saliva, which neutralize the acids in the mouth and also prevents tooth decay.
Water
Water is the best rinsing agent to clear sugars left behind by sugary foods and drinks. Fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.
Dairy
We know that milk is good for the teeth, but so are other dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, which all contain calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D. Calcium strengthens bones and tooth enamel, and vitamin D is a nutrient that helps to regulate proteins that create tooth enamel.
Nuts
Many nuts provide vitamins and minerals that help your teeth. Peanuts and almonds contain calcium and vitamin D, which help strengthen teeth, whereas cashew nuts stimulate saliva production. Walnuts are also extremely beneficial due to their richness in fibre, folic acid, iron, vitamin E, potassium and zinc.
Whole grains
Whole grains contain magnesium and B vitamins, which are important for bones and teeth. In addition, whole grains are also high in fibre. Foods such as bran, brown rice, cereals and pasta are all good sources of whole grains.
For more information, please visit www.brightonimplantclinic.co.uk.
