By Sarah Smith
The importance of dental health in our overall health is undeniable: The process of digestion begins in the mouth. The protection of our teeth is just as important as protecting any other organ and system in the human body.
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) fully supports an all-natural diet, free from chemical preservatives. Check out how this type of diet can also help to improve our dental health.
What is an “all-natural” diet?
The rationale behind an all-natural eating approach is simple: Consume foods that are not chemically tainted or preserved. Eating foods in their natural state allows us to obtain the proper nourishment and protection that these foods offer. Moreover, the vitamin-absorption properties of natural foods help us get more nutrition without added calories, fat, salt, or sugar.
What is an example of an all-natural diet?
Although an all-natural diet can be customized to the needs of each individual, one example of such type of diet is the vegan, wheat-free lifestyle choice. The purpose of this plan is to find food alternatives that are high in nutrient content and free from allergy-causing chemicals. It can also help our teeth tremendously, while making our bodies healthier.
How does a NON-natural diet affect our teeth?
Eating non-natural or processed food products such as meat, wheat, and processed diary causes a number of problems for our dental health.
First, meat tends to get stuck between our teeth, causing bacteria to grow. Meats are also dosed with sugar for preservation. The bacteria causes acids that produce cavities. Sugar and acid combined are the key agents that lead to tooth decay.
Wheat, processed with bleached and sugar, is made into starchy bread. It sticks to our teeth, causing plaque to build up. Also, the sugar contained in the preservatives cause cavities, especially if we are also indulging in other sugary treats throughout the day.
How does an all-natural diet affect our teeth
Vegans get their protein, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium form a high variety of sources that do not include meat, dairy or processed wheat products. In fact, the food items that vegans consume are proven to have nutritional values that far surpass any other food group. Combining leafy greens, soybean products, and fruits produces a powerful formula to make our teeth stronger and more protected than ever.
Greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli and arugula contain an army of vitamins A, C, D, and E. Vitamins A and D are known to re-mineralize bones and teeth, making them stronger. Vitamin C is of supreme important for gum health, as it prevents them from weakening and bleeding. Vitamin E is the antioxidant that will protect bad cells from attacking good cells all over your body, including your mouth. This combination is only the beginning. Greens have much more to offer still.
Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium
Leafy greens are a powerful source of calcium, which strengthens our bones and teeth. Phosphorus is a mineral that can be naturally found in teeth and bones as well. Eating leafy greens increases our levels of phosphorus, strengthening the bone mass density. Magnesium is a miracle mineral that not only strengthens bone density like phosphorous, but it also helps with other aspects such as immune system and digestive health.
This is just a fragment of how an all natural diet can help prevent tooth decay…and much more! Try an alternative choice today. This post comes courtesy of Underwood Dental Care. Enjoy food the best way possible: naturally!