Treating your teeth with food: which foods damage and which strengthen your teeth?

The health of our teeth does not only depend on correct oral hygiene, but also on our diet . Some foods can in fact damage tooth enamel and promote the formation of cavities , while others can help strengthen teeth and keep gums healthy .

Let's start by talking about the foods to avoid , those that can cause damage to your teeth. At the top of the list we find sugars , present in sweets, sugary drinks and foods rich in refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and biscuits. Sugars feed bacteria in the mouth , which produce acids that damage enamel and can lead to tooth decay. Reducing sugar consumption is essential for maintaining good oral health.

In addition to sugars, acidic foods can also damage your teeth. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes and drinks such as fruit juices and sodas can erode tooth enamel if consumed in excess . It is therefore important to moderate the consumption of these acidic foods and rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking them.

But what are the foods that can help strengthen your teeth and keep them healthy? Let's start with calcium , which is essential for bone and tooth health. Milk and its derivatives such as yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, which helps keep tooth enamel strong. Furthermore, they are rich in proteins which help maintain the health of the gums.

Let's not forget foods rich in vitamin C , which contributes to the production of collagen , a fundamental protein for gum health. Citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries and peppers are just some of the foods that contain vitamin C.

Finally, we cannot leave out crunchy foods such as carrots, celery and apples. Chewing crunchy foods stimulates the production of saliva , which helps neutralize the acids present in the mouth and prevent the formation of bacterial plaque .

In conclusion, it is important to pay attention to your diet to maintain good oral health. Reducing the consumption of sugars and acidic foods, and favoring foods rich in calcium and vitamin C can help strengthen your teeth and prevent problems such as cavities. Also remember to follow correct oral hygiene , including brushing and dental floss!