Foods that are not processed and that create saliva in the mouth while rich in protein, minerals, vitamins and low in sugar contribute to healthy teeth and gums.
What are the nutrients that teeth need to stay strong?
Dr. John Vitale: Well, the nutrients basically are calcium, magnesium and other vitamins. Vitamins that are generally good for strong bones and healthy bodies are also good for your teeth.
Which foods can actually help clean teeth and even brighten them?
Dr. John Vitale: Well we have probably 7 types of foods or groups of foods that are good for teeth. Group number one are the cheeses. They happen to raise the pH or the acid or base rating in your mouth and they raise the pH and that causes a decrease in the incidence of decay. We have yogurts that are high in calcium and proteins and they also contain probiotics that are beneficial for gums. We have leafy greens. They’re full of vitamins and minerals, folic acid, which is a type of B complex. Apples, high in fiber, create saliva and they also rinse away bacteria when you eat them. Carrots are high in fiber, creates saliva also and they’re high in vitamin A, good for strong bones and healthy skin and good teeth. Celery, which is a source of vitamin C and A and good for gums and the fiber helps also to clean the teeth. Almonds also, which are high in calcium and proteins and they’re very low in sugar and they’re good for people to eat.
Can you list some foods that can nourish our teeth?
Dr. John Vitale: Well the foods that nourish our teeth are the foods that content vitamins and minerals and so again they would be like leafy greens, yogurts, good fruits and vegetables. All of these and nuts, they’re all good for our teeth.
Besides food are there any healthy drinks that are good for the teeth?
Dr. John Vitale: Well I think the best type of drink, or the best type of drinks I should say, are drinks that don’t contain any sugar. They would be seltzer, water. Fruit juices are good in small amounts not in large amounts because of the high sugar content. Those basically are the drinks.
What role does saliva play in keeping our mouths healthy?
Dr. John Vitale: Well saliva acts in a couple of ways. Number one, it’s a liquid and it coats your teeth and it keeps fluids moving in your mouth. The fluids that are moving in your mouth keep the bacteria moving in your mouth. When we eat foods that create saliva you get a fluid motion in your mouth and what that does is it washes the bacteria away, both good and bad but mostly bad.
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If you are interested in speaking with Dr. John Vitale, visit www.drjohnrvitale.com or call 201-521-9800 to schedule an appointment.
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