The outer layer of our teeth is the enamel which is mainly composed of calcium and phosphate ions. It gives the strength to chew and bite. Therefore, it is important to keep the enamel in good condition so as to protect the inner layers of the teeth. The inner layer of the teeth generally contains nerves and blood vessels. If the teeth loses its enamel, the inner layer gets infected by bacteria. The teeth too; become sensitive to heat, sweetness, and cold.

Teeth face acid attacks from the foods we eat and from what we drink. Food containing a high amount of starch and sugar weakens the teeth. Teeth also get affected by the acids produced by the plaque bacteria. Erosion of enamel weakens the teeth and eventually, teeth get prone to dental caries.

Poor dental hygiene is behind all this. Adopting an oral hygiene routine regularly, and taking a balanced, healthy diet is essential for healthy teeth and strong gums. By making small lifestyle changes and adopting a balanced diet, it is possible to replenish the lost minerals. This process is called remineralization. Brushing the teeth is necessary to remove bacteria. Dental caries are also known as tooth decay are caused due to accumulation of bacteria. Dental products with ingredients like peppermint oil and lactoferrin help in preventing tooth decay. Lactoferrin is a multifunctional milk protein that strengthens the immune system and helps to fight against bacterial infections of the mouth. It strengthens the teeth making this less susceptible to mineral loss.

Along with good oral hygiene, a balanced and healthy diet is equally important for strong teeth and gums. Reduce starchy food like potatoes, bread, rice, etc that are loaded with carbohydrates. These produce fermentable sugars in the mouth which can cause erosion in the teeth.

Calcium One effective way to strengthen teeth is to consume more calcium. Calcium is a major component that helps to strengthen teeth and protect sensitive nerves inside the tooth. Calcium deficiency can lead to cavities or breaking of the teeth chip. Milk and other dairy products like cheese are a perfect source of calcium.

Vitamin D Vitamin D helps in boosting bone mineral density. Lack of this vitamin can lead to dental caries, weak or brittle teeth. Sunlight exposure helps the body to produce vitamin D. It is also found in mushrooms and fatty fish like salmon and tuna. It is good to pair up calcium sources with food rich in Vitamin D, as Vitamin D can enhance the absorption of calcium into the body.

Potassium Healthy doses of potassium help in maintaining the strength and structure of the teeth. Bananas are the most important source of potassium besides lima beans, tomatoes, and avocados.

Vitamins B1, B2 & B3 Vitamins B1 and B2 help in preventing mouth sores and are found in red meat, chicken liver and fish. Vitamin B3 helps to ward off bad breath and is found abundantly in poultry meat and fish.

Vitamin C Adding this vitamin to your diet is a key strategy to strengthen gums. Vitamin C prevents inflammation of the gums and helps in repairing connective tissues of the body. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, leafy greens, red and green peppers, and cauliflower are rich sources of this vitamin.

Good oral hygiene habits along with a healthy diet are crucial for strong teeth and gums.

This article is intended to promote awareness of oral hygiene and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.