health and safety: GO NUTS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

GO NUTS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

That's right, snacking on the right foods can improve your dental health

- DR SHANTANU JARADI

According to research nuts are rich in magnesium, calcium, and phosphate – all important nutrients for dental health. Add some nuts to your regular diet for a healthy, beautiful smile and well-protected teeth and gums. Whether you realise it or not, the foods you consume can affect your smile as much as brushing or flossing. Each time you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque gets another chance to form decay-causing acid and bad breath can make you want to hide even
the most pristine teeth. Choosing the right foods that naturally fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen the enamel, and freshen breath is a good way to preserve your pearly whites.
Cashewnuts
Cashew is an energizing food. Cashew nuts help maintain healthy gums and teeth. The extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralises the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities. Additionally, chomping on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth. Snack on cashews once a day.
Peanuts
Studies have shown that peanuts contain a good amount of calcium and vitamin D. Together these two promote good healthy teeth. Peanut butter sandwiches, salted shelled peanuts, unshelled or unsalted, however you like to eat them, there's no denying that these wonderful little legumes are a healthy choice for the teeth.
Almonds
Almonds are a great source of calcium. Studies have proved that the consumption of 12-15 almonds on a regular basis stuffs your body with around 40-50 mg of calcium. Almonds promote good healthy teeth and the calcium helps nourish and support healthy gum tissue.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain plant protein, folacin, dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, thiamine, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc, which are beneficial for teeth. The magnesium and phosphorus in walnuts is important for dental health. So, go crazy for walnuts.
Good and healthy teeth are necessary for oral health and having good teeth makes you look younger, which is why you should visit a dentist regularly to help prevent problems before they get out of hand. So if you want to keep your pearly whites their brightest, go nuts with these super foods.