Not only brushing teeth is crucial How proper nutrition protects us from tooth decay

Healthy Eating: Proper nutrition can protect against tooth decay

Although brushing teeth is the most effective way of preventing tooth decay, gingivitis and unpleasant toothache, proper nutrition is also crucial to oral hygiene. Experts explain what is important.

Foods with a negative impact on dental health

Even as a young child, most people learn that there are foods whose consumption can have a huge negative impact on your dental health. Above all, here are typical children's foods such as sweets, chocolates or sweetened soft drinks. However, there are also foods that can help prevent caries efficiently. Health experts have some nutrition tips ready.

Not only regular brushing, but also a balanced diet is an important part of caries prevention.
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Many children do not go to the dentist

According to research, about two-thirds of children do not go to the dentist. A conscientious oral hygiene can not start soon enough.

Milk teeth must be thoroughly cleaned. Because they are the best prerequisite for a healthy dentition.

But according to health experts, tooth decay even in infants is increasing. About 15 percent of them are affected. One reason is that due to lack of dental visits hardly education on nutrition and oral hygiene could take place.

Balanced diet

The Bavarian State Pharmacist's Chamber (BLAK) now announces in a statement to the start of school in the Free State how parents can protect their teeth with the right break bread for their children.

Balanced nutrition is an important part of caries prevention, experts say. "A basic requirement for healthy teeth is a diet that contains all the important nutrients," said Dr. Apotheker. Volker Schmitt, spokesman for pharmacists in Bavaria.

Calcium-rich foods such as legumes and whole grains as well as vegetables such as carrots protect our teeth.

As a thirst quencher, water, unsweetened teas or, in exceptional cases, highly diluted fruit spritzers are recommended for all age groups.

If children or adults drink acidic drinks such as cola or orange juice, they should wait at least half an hour before brushing their teeth. This also applies to acidic foods such as gherkins, sour apples or vinegar salad.

"If this" waiting time "is not taken into account, it comes to the removal of the enamel by the brushing teeth as by an abrasive body," explained Schmitt.

Sufficient saliva in the mouth

It is also important to have enough saliva in the mouth, because it is the best protection for the teeth. It rinses and neutralizes acids and it adds calcium and phosphate to the tooth.

"So try to eat fresh foods often that are not too soft and therefore have to be chewed well. This stimulates the salivation and thus promotes the self-cleaning of the teeth, "said pharmacist Schmitt.

The Communication also notes that many medications, such as anti-Parkinson's drugs, antihistamines or tranquilizers, reduce salivation and cause dry mouth.

"People who take these medications should use acidic foods and drinks as rarely as possible. If you have problems here, your pharmacy will also be happy to advise you on options such as artificial saliva or similar, "said Schmitt. (Ad)