Dental health in Pakistan is an ignored matter. Most health insurances do not cover dental diseases. People are unaware of the basic practices of dental health. One would think that with such miserable conditions, research to make matters better should be one the rise. Unfortunately, we are failing at that too. Latest surveys go as far back as 2003.
According to the very survey, only 28% of children under the age of 12 have healthy gums. 21% of these children need proper scaling. In addition to this, 7% of 35-44 years old people are on the verge of losing their teeth because of gum disease. This number goes up to 17% for people above the age of 65%.
Such miserable statistics of dental health in the country not only show that there is a lack of competent dentists but also that people do not take care of their teeth. In this article, we are going to target this very issue. We are listing down five foods that can help you keep your teeth strong and thus maintain oral health.
- Dairy
It is common knowledge that calcium is important for healthy teeth. Dairy is a big source of calcium. So, it can be of big help in keeping your teeth strong. Dairy products include many things such as yoghurt, cheese, and milk. The calcium content of every dairy product is however not the same.
Milk is rich in calcium but not all types of cheese can satisfy your calcium needs. Therefore, you should always read the label on the products to make sure that they have enough calcium.
Cheese and milk also have a protein called casein. This protein plays a big role in protecting the enamel on your teeth. Enamel layer as we all know is the protective layer of the teeth. The more intact the enamel layer on your teeth is, the stronger your teeth will be.
- Leafy vegetables
Saliva is a natural cleanser for your teeth. It not only rinses the teeth but also reduces acidic content in the mouth. So, if you want healthy teeth, it is important that saliva production in the mouth is frequent.
Leafy green vegetables are full of fiber and require a lot of chewing before they can be engulfed. As a result, they enhance saliva production and consequently strengthen your teeth.
- Carrot sticks
Carrot sticks are hard and require a lot of chewing. Chewing is not the only exercise for gums but it also disrupts bacterial activity in the mouth. As a result, the mouth stays clean and free of acids. If you do not like carrot sticks, you can also use other raw fruits such as apples and pears.
- Green Tea
Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are ideal for fighting off bacteria in the mouth. Green tea thus prohibits accumulation of plaque on the teeth and keep them clean. As a result, the chance of gum diseases and oral infections decreases substantially. A cup of green tea every day can thus make a big difference for your dental health.
- Fish
Fish is a great source of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega fatty 3 acids are good for bone strength. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium by the body. Without vitamin D, the calcium if consumed simply passes out of the body and gives no benefit. You should thus include, fish in your diet if you want to utilize the maximum amount of calcium.
Teeth not only play an important role in the digestive process; they are also important for a person’s appearance. Strong and white teeth are a reflection of good health and also add a boost to your personality. The foods mentioned in this article can help you achieve that boost. In case your teeth are deteriorating already because of an infection or a condition, you should consult a doctor at your earliest.
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This article was produced in partnership with oladoc.com, a digital health company in Pakistan. Using oladoc, you can find the best dentist in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and book an appointment online.
