Most people are aware of the main culprits of cavities—sugary food, soft drinks and the like. But what many don’t know of is the existence of foods that can naturally help heal minor cavities. Here is a list of nutrients your teeth require in order to heal cavities and the corresponding foods you can find them in:
Calcium
It’s common knowledge now that calcium strengthens our bones and teeth, but did you know that it also plays a role in producing more saliva to flush away food particles and acid? Calcium also helps to re-supplement minerals lost from eating back onto the teeth, protecting the tooth from cavities.
While many tend to assume that dairy products like milk and cheese are the best sources of calcium, that isn’t the case. Surprisingly enough, calcium-rich foods include seafood like oysters, clams, salmon and shrimp in addition to leafy greens such as broccoli and cauliflower. In terms of nutrient density, leafy green vegetables would provide more calcium per calorie than milk.
Vitamin D
Did you know that Vitamin D helps in absorbing the calcium and phosphate needed by the body—and your teeth? Vitamin D has been scientifically proven to both effectively prevent and reduce tooth cavities and decay.
While spending more time basking in the sunlight may be a great way to boost your vitamin D levels, incorporating foods like egg yolks and mushrooms or wild-caught fish like sardine or salmon into your regular diet can be effective too.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K regulates the absorption of minerals in the body, making it necessary for the remineralization of teeth. Without sufficient vitamin K, our teeth would lose the ability to heal and defend against harmful bacteria.
Some foods that are rich in vitamin K include leafy green vegetables, and fermented foods like natto. It is also found in meat and milk.
Magnesium
Other than mineralization of teeth, magnesium happens to be responsible for countless processes in the body. It controls the balance of other nutrients in the body and builds the strong defensive enamel needed by the teeth to prevent cavity formation.
What foods are good sources of magnesium? Spinach, dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds and fatty fish are among the choices you can make to increase your magnesium levels.
Phosphorus
Sufficient phosphorus in the body has been shown to protect against tooth decay. It also plays an essential role in supporting calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
Meat, legumes, and soy products all contain plenty of phosphorus.
How much do braces cost in Singapore? Well, they’re certainly not inexpensive—the same goes for alternatives like invisalign. Just look up “invisalign cost” and you’ll know why you should take care not to have cavities developing insidiously.
However, if it’s a little too late for you at this point, and you’ve been experiencing occasional bouts of severe toothache, rest assured. With the various advancements made in the field of dentistry, and in the area of orthodontics in Singapore over the years, there are plenty of treatments available to help you out.
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506