Foods high in acid wear away enamel and leave teeth less protected. The top culprits include hard sugar candies, coffee, citrus fruits -- like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits -- and soda.
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly. Visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning. Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you take.
Many fruits are high in acidity, including lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, grapes, and apples. The high sugar and acid content in soda makes it another huge contributor to enamel decay. Moderately acidic foods include pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, cottage cheese, maple syrup, yogurt, raisins, pickles, and honey.
The rate of tooth decay in people over 65 now outpaces that of schoolchildren. A prime target of dental caries in older adults is around the neck of the tooth, adjacent to the gum line. Gum tissue naturally recedes with age, so the soft root tissue becomes exposed.
Symptoms of tooth decay
tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet. grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth. bad breath. an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Eat More Enamel-Strengthening Foods
As the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests, dairy products are a great calcium source, but many vegetables also are calcium-rich. Soybeans in edamame and tofu, broccoli rabe, kale and other leafy greens are leading non-dairy options for adding calcium to your diet.
Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
Even though they're good for you, most fruits like bananas have high sugar content. Just like sugar from any other source, this sugar can contribute to tooth decay, as bacteria in your child's mouth will consume it and excrete acid, which may cause cavities over time.
As the enamel continues to erode, your teeth might turn a gray or yellowish color. If your teeth change shape, it's a good indicator that you have enamel damage. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial.
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
Teeth whitening treatments usually work by stripping or entering the outer enamel layer, which makes teeth weaker if done many times. So, more often than not, yellow teeth are actually stronger than pearly white ones–so long as they're cleaned regularly.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Using this mixture removes bacteria and buildup of plaque to get rid of surface stains. Create a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste and use it to brush your teeth. After that, use water to rinse the mouth. You can also create a mouthwash using equal amounts of each ingredient.
While a yellow hue near the gum line can be an early sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems—it is usually an indication of dental plaque or tartar. Dental plaque develops due to bacteria in the mouth combined with food byproducts and proteins.
Unhealthy Gums. If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. Some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth.
People often think tooth loss is normal as they age, but that is not the case. Permanent teeth are made to last, meaning people can keep their natural teeth their entire lives, even if they live to be 100 years old. Of course, people need to take care of their teeth to make them last forever.
Crooked or missing teeth can be embarrassing, and they may even affect your dental health. The good news is that you can get your teeth straightened no matter your age. Braces aren't just for kids. Even adults aged 50 and over can benefit from treatment by an orthodontist.
Teething in babies happens between 4 and 15 months of age. Delayed or late teething is normal these days and not a cause for concern until your baby is 15 months old. If the delay is longer than 18 months, you should consult a pediatric dentist, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fruits with high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants can help neutralize the bacteria in your mouth. Apples, strawberries, cranberries, kiwis, and oranges are all good providers of these healthy teeth ingredients.
Despite the health benefits, drinking too much coffee can leave a lasting mark on your smile. In fact, research shows it can increase your risk of cavities because it's acidic, which can erode your enamel. As your enamel becomes thinner, it can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
Meat, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts and green, leafy vegetables are all good sources of protein. Calcium is great for increasing the strength of your bones and teeth. Milk, cheese and other dairy products are a great source but if you're lactose intolerant, soy milk is a good alternative. Sesame seeds are also calcium rich.