"Celery can help protect teeth and its enamel by cleaning the surface of the teeth"
First, it doesn't hurt to learn first what enamel is. Wikipedia says it is "a very hard, white to off-white, highly mineralized substance that acts as a barrier to protect the tooth but can become susceptible to degradation, especially by acids from food and drink."
Second, I guess an accounting of what causes us to lose enamel is also in order. Arizona Family Dental has provided us with an interesting list:
1) Dry mouth.
2) Acid Reflux.
3) GI Tract issues.
4) Taking acidic medicines such as aspirin or antihistamines.
5) Low-salivary flow.
6) Genetics.
7) Bruxism or teeth grinding.
A glaring omission, however, in this list is the consumption of sugary foods--candy, cakes, pies, children's cereals, pastries of all kinds. It does mention acidic foods but only in relation to aspirin and antihistamines. There are equally acidic foods that are consumed daily that we all should look out for. One is coffee. Then there's tea. Love both. Have to be careful with both. Tea and coffee also contain naturally occurring fluoride. I don't know what your position is on fluoride. I tend to think that it is a neuro-toxin. That it's not good for your brain or your autonomic nervous system. Yet I see people drinking coffee and tea everywhere daily. I drink coffee but at greatly reduced levels. I like the bullet-proof coffee. Provides a nice boost, if that's what you're looking for from coffee. Sometimes, it's just comforting. Other times it helps to fight off the cold.
Sarah Corriher at HealthWyze (I love these folks) makes the point that
Second, I guess an accounting of what causes us to lose enamel is also in order. Arizona Family Dental has provided us with an interesting list:
1) Dry mouth.
2) Acid Reflux.
3) GI Tract issues.
4) Taking acidic medicines such as aspirin or antihistamines.
5) Low-salivary flow.
6) Genetics.
7) Bruxism or teeth grinding.
A glaring omission, however, in this list is the consumption of sugary foods--candy, cakes, pies, children's cereals, pastries of all kinds. It does mention acidic foods but only in relation to aspirin and antihistamines. There are equally acidic foods that are consumed daily that we all should look out for. One is coffee. Then there's tea. Love both. Have to be careful with both. Tea and coffee also contain naturally occurring fluoride. I don't know what your position is on fluoride. I tend to think that it is a neuro-toxin. That it's not good for your brain or your autonomic nervous system. Yet I see people drinking coffee and tea everywhere daily. I drink coffee but at greatly reduced levels. I like the bullet-proof coffee. Provides a nice boost, if that's what you're looking for from coffee. Sometimes, it's just comforting. Other times it helps to fight off the cold.
Sarah Corriher at HealthWyze (I love these folks) makes the point that
After consuming sugary foods or drinks, the enamel of teeth becomes weaker; especially within the first hour of consumption. Brushing the teeth during this period leads to increases in abrasive damage. This damage usually becomes significant by the time a person reaches middle age.
I have in this blog recommended Vitamin C for healthy teeth here and here. Am I wrong? Not quite. Vitamin C is important to maintain gum health. Gum health means tooth health, for the gums and their blood vessels feed the roots and cementin of our teeth. Even Dr. Andrew Saul from DoctorYourself, has advocated Vitamin C for healthy teeth.
Take extra vitamin C. Tooth health is dependent on gum health, and gum health is more closely related to vitamin C than to any other nutrient. The first symptom of scurvy is easily bleeding gums.
So from a logical standpoint, I was not wrong. It's Vitamin C serum levels in your blood that we're talking about. But it's the form of Vitamin C you're taking that matters. Chewable Vitamin C for kids leaves a residue of C on their teeth. When C is consumed this way, it actually weakens your enamel. Why is Vitamin C bad for tooth enamel? Acids.
Corriher again,
Corriher again,
Vitamin C is destructive to tooth enamel, so chewable pills may lead to increased cavities, particularly in those who are lacking minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin C should never be taken in a manner which leaves residues of it on the teeth for an extended time. Some well-intentioned toothpaste manufacturers have misguidedly added vitamin C or "citrus" to their formulas, without realizing the dental problems that this presents. Similarly, some alternative medicine sites on the Internet recommend cleaning the teeth with lemon-based solutions. Citrus acids have the tendency to make the teeth feel clean. This occurs partly because the acid strips the teeth of everything, including the minerals bonding with them. It can cause long-term enamel damage; especially when it is combined with abrasives or stiff bristle brushes.
Okay, so if it's not Vitamin C that is best for your teeth, what is? Calcium and phosphorous. Here is a list of phosphorus-rich foods. Fish is a great source of phosphorus, so are dairy products. This site says that dairy products are your best source of phosphorus, so if you like sardines and other fish and cheese, yogurt, and milk, then you're doing just fine. Ms. Corriher concludes with this
Those who suddenly start experiencing tooth decay should know that it is often a symptom of a phosphorus deficiency. It is a common problem for vegetarians. Phosphorus is best obtained through meats, fish, and dairy products. It is in seeds and some nuts, but not in sufficient quantities. Fructose causes a decrease in phosphorus, which is one reason why sugar seems to cause cavities. Technically, sugars and carbohydrates can be harmful too, but the greatest factor is the connection between phosphorus depletion and the intake of fructose.
Those suffering from periodontal diseases such as gingivitis should look in the direction of CoQ10. Gingivitis sufferers are invariably deficient in co-enzyme Q10. It has shown good success with topical application, so mouth rinses are now available with this ingredient. In addition, CoQ10 is created by the body during exercise. Chlorophyll can also reverse gum disease, and it was once an ingredient of popular toothpastes.
1. DAIRY
PRODUCTS
Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, kefir and cheese, have plenty of calcium and phosphorous that can help strengthen teeth enamel and help with re-mineralization. They also promote saliva secretion, which can have a preventative effect, as saliva protects teeth against bacteria and balances the mouth's pH level. For those who are lactose intolerant, enriched soy milk can be a good alternative as it usually also have added calcium.
Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, kefir and cheese, have plenty of calcium and phosphorous that can help strengthen teeth enamel and help with re-mineralization. They also promote saliva secretion, which can have a preventative effect, as saliva protects teeth against bacteria and balances the mouth's pH level. For those who are lactose intolerant, enriched soy milk can be a good alternative as it usually also have added calcium.
2. CELERY
Celery, considered an "abrasive" food item due to its high fiber content, can help protect teeth and its enamel by cleaning the surface of the teeth. Its fibrous nature also requires longer chewing time, which can promote saliva secretion and maintain a healthy pH level in the mouth. The gums, which are also integral to healthy teeth enamel, are also massaged in the chewing process to ensure its health.
Celery, considered an "abrasive" food item due to its high fiber content, can help protect teeth and its enamel by cleaning the surface of the teeth. Its fibrous nature also requires longer chewing time, which can promote saliva secretion and maintain a healthy pH level in the mouth. The gums, which are also integral to healthy teeth enamel, are also massaged in the chewing process to ensure its health.
3. STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important in maintaining the overall health of the oral cavity. Strawberries also have a natural exfoliating effect due to its malic acid content, and can also help whiten your teeth while removing enamel harming tartar. There is no need to actively rub the actual fruit on the teeth, however, as an excess of malic acid may actually do harm and dissolve tooth enamel. To keep your teeth enamel and oral cavity healthy, just incorporate strawberries in your diet, as a snack or a healthy dessert.
Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important in maintaining the overall health of the oral cavity. Strawberries also have a natural exfoliating effect due to its malic acid content, and can also help whiten your teeth while removing enamel harming tartar. There is no need to actively rub the actual fruit on the teeth, however, as an excess of malic acid may actually do harm and dissolve tooth enamel. To keep your teeth enamel and oral cavity healthy, just incorporate strawberries in your diet, as a snack or a healthy dessert.
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| Your Vitamin D as ordered with spinach and cherry tomatoes. What's not to like? |
4. VITAMIN D
Studies have shown that vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in regulating proteins that create tooth enamel. Hence, foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish oil, cold water fish, or enriched egg yolks, are great for strengthening and possibly re-mineralizing tooth enamel. For example, canned sardines is a great super food, rich in vitamin D, for strengthening tooth enamel, as you can also eat the bones of the fish for added bone-strengthening calcium and fluoride.
Studies have shown that vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in regulating proteins that create tooth enamel. Hence, foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish oil, cold water fish, or enriched egg yolks, are great for strengthening and possibly re-mineralizing tooth enamel. For example, canned sardines is a great super food, rich in vitamin D, for strengthening tooth enamel, as you can also eat the bones of the fish for added bone-strengthening calcium and fluoride.
5. ANIMAL PROTEIN
Most animal proteins, such as chicken and beef, contain phosphorus, which is a mineral essential to healthy tooth enamel. Indeed, when phosphorus is paired with calcium and vitamin D, healthy bones and teeth are created. Tofu may be an alternative option for vegetarians, as it contains a good amount of protein, and may also have the added benefits of calcium and magnesium.
Most animal proteins, such as chicken and beef, contain phosphorus, which is a mineral essential to healthy tooth enamel. Indeed, when phosphorus is paired with calcium and vitamin D, healthy bones and teeth are created. Tofu may be an alternative option for vegetarians, as it contains a good amount of protein, and may also have the added benefits of calcium and magnesium.
6. SESAME SEEDS
Sesame seeds are similar to celery in that it is also an abrasive food that can help "brush" the surface of teeth and remove bacteria causing debris. They are also high in calcium, which is important in bone and teeth formation, and are extremely easy to incorporate into the diet. Toss a handful of toasted sesame seeds on your next snack or meal, or blend it into your smoothie for some enamel protection.
Sesame seeds are similar to celery in that it is also an abrasive food that can help "brush" the surface of teeth and remove bacteria causing debris. They are also high in calcium, which is important in bone and teeth formation, and are extremely easy to incorporate into the diet. Toss a handful of toasted sesame seeds on your next snack or meal, or blend it into your smoothie for some enamel protection.
7. VITAMIN K
Essential for bone growth and mineral absorption, vitamin K can help strengthen teeth enamel when paired with vitamin D. Cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, are high in vitamin K and other immune-boosting nutrients that can also contribute to healthier gums and teeth. Other great sources for this vitamin include egg yolks, hard cheese, pasteurized butter, fermented grains, and naturally-cured salami.
Essential for bone growth and mineral absorption, vitamin K can help strengthen teeth enamel when paired with vitamin D. Cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, are high in vitamin K and other immune-boosting nutrients that can also contribute to healthier gums and teeth. Other great sources for this vitamin include egg yolks, hard cheese, pasteurized butter, fermented grains, and naturally-cured salami.
8. PARSLEY
Parsley has been used as a natural breath freshener for ages. This herb is known for its anti-bacterial properties and may help prevent bacteria that can lead to loss of tooth enamel. Next time, chew some parsley in place of sugary gum or breath mints; not only will it freshen your breath, it can also save your teeth from sugars that can deteriorate enamel.
Parsley has been used as a natural breath freshener for ages. This herb is known for its anti-bacterial properties and may help prevent bacteria that can lead to loss of tooth enamel. Next time, chew some parsley in place of sugary gum or breath mints; not only will it freshen your breath, it can also save your teeth from sugars that can deteriorate enamel.
9. TEA
Naturally high in antioxidants for a healthier oral cavity, almost all leaves that brew tea also contain fluoride, which protects tooth enamel from decay. Green tea, in particular, also contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which protects the teeth by preventing plaque from adhering to its surface. As an added bonus, freshly brewed tea may also help eliminate bad breath for a more presentable smile.
Naturally high in antioxidants for a healthier oral cavity, almost all leaves that brew tea also contain fluoride, which protects tooth enamel from decay. Green tea, in particular, also contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which protects the teeth by preventing plaque from adhering to its surface. As an added bonus, freshly brewed tea may also help eliminate bad breath for a more presentable smile.
10. WATER
Drinking water can ensure a clean mouth, as it washes away trapped debris between teeth that serves as a breeding ground for enamel harming bacteria. For the sake of your teeth, it is also advisable to swish and rinse the oral cavity with water after drinking or eating highly acidic or enamel-dissolving foods, such as alcohol, coffee, or lemons to keep the harsh foods from dissolving teeth surface and enamel. By keeping yourself hydrated, your body can also have a stronger immune system to potentially help ward off gum disease, which in turn, can be detrimental to tooth enamel.
Drinking water can ensure a clean mouth, as it washes away trapped debris between teeth that serves as a breeding ground for enamel harming bacteria. For the sake of your teeth, it is also advisable to swish and rinse the oral cavity with water after drinking or eating highly acidic or enamel-dissolving foods, such as alcohol, coffee, or lemons to keep the harsh foods from dissolving teeth surface and enamel. By keeping yourself hydrated, your body can also have a stronger immune system to potentially help ward off gum disease, which in turn, can be detrimental to tooth enamel.
Read more at http://www.symptomfind.com/nutrition-supplements/foods-that-strengthen-enamel/#GtDFXJi57qtv13oi.99
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