Dental care

You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Their sparkling smiles. Being able to chew for good nutrition. Avoiding toothaches and discomfort. And new research suggests that gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including increased risk of heart disease.   Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age. Here’s how:
	Avoid snacking between meals Snacking between meals can be bad for both your diet and your oral health. Snacks tend to be sugary and when we consume sugary foods and drinks plaque acid is formed, causing the teeth to start to decay. It takes your saliva around 40 mins to start protecting your mouth after a meal, so three regular meals a day, without snacking, leaves enough time for your teeth to recover. It’s also advised to rinse or chew gum after meals.
	Avoid foods high in refined sugars Refined sugars are bad for your teeth and gums as they can cause damage through decay. Natural sugars in fruit are generally considered to be ok, however try to stay away from candies and sweets etc.
	Eat calcium-rich foods It might sound obvious but calcium is absolutely essential in maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Ensure you eat plenty of dairy products, such as cheese, yoghurt and milk - low-fat options are just as good. Calcium is also present in leafy greens such as broccoli and bok choy, canned fish with bones, almonds, Brazil nuts and dried beans.
	Drink more water Although it's known that water is crucial to overall wellbeing, it is also hugely important for your oral health. Water contains fluoride which helps strengthen the teeth and protect against decay and cavities. Drinking water after meals also helps wash away any leftover food particles that may be around the teeth, preventing bacteria buildup. Water also increases the volume of saliva, which is a natural lubricant for the mouth. If you are dehydrated saliva flow will be reduced which not only feels uncomfortable, but can also cause damage.
	Good nutrition is essential for gum health Our overall immune system needs to be at its optimum to resist bacteria that causes gum disease. When you're run down or your health is compromised, you're more prone to mouth infections such as ulcers. Make sure you're eating plenty of healthy fruit and vegetables and supplement with a multi-vitamin if needed.
	Eat Fibre and Whole Grains Eating high-fiber foods keeps your saliva flowing which helps protect your teeth. Good sources of fiber are dried fruits such as dates, raisins and figs, and fresh fruits, like bananas, apples and oranges. Other options include vegetables, such as beans, Brussels sprouts and peas, along with peanuts and almonds. Wholegrain are an important ingredient for bones, teeth and gums as they are rich in B vitamins and iron. They are also high in fiber so keep an eye out for foods such as brown rice, whole-grain cereals and pasta which are all good sources of whole grains. .
	Alcohol, tobacco and even coffee should be kept to a minimum These vices can cause real trouble for teeth and gums. Tobacco, coffee and red wine can cause discoloration of the teeth which looks and feels very unhealthy. Chemicals in wine, beer, spirits and cider can cause tooth erosion which can be irreversible.