Orthodontist named products that are beneficial for dental health

Dental health depends not only on careful hygiene, but also on the diet. The right balance of trace elements helps to maintain strong and healthy teeth, Victoria Radko, an orthodontist and head of the orthodontic department at the EUROKAPPA clinic Scientific and Clinical Center, told Izvestia on March 28.

"One of the key elements for dental health is calcium. Calcium is the main building material for tooth enamel, it strengthens dentin and prevents tooth decay. In combination with fluoride and phosphorus, it makes the enamel more resistant to caries. This element is found in dairy products, especially hard cheeses, as well as fish and nuts. Vitamin K is needed for its absorption, which can be obtained from spinach, soy and potatoes," she said.

In addition, iron and vitamin B12 are important for the health of the oral mucosa, as they help prevent inflammation and ulcers. These trace elements are found in large quantities in meat. And vitamin C is needed to strengthen the gums, which stimulates metabolic processes and reduces the risk of inflammation. It can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries and sweet peppers, the expert added.

"But fruits with high acidity can negatively affect the enamel, so it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after eating them. Some products also have a mechanical cleansing effect. They not only saturate the body with vitamins, but also help to keep teeth clean. Apples, carrots, radishes and celery stimulate saliva production, improve blood circulation in the gums and work as natural toothbrushes," Radko said.

During orthodontic treatment on braces, it is worth avoiding hard, sticky and excessively sweet foods, as they can damage the system. However, patients using aligners do not need to impose special restrictions — it is enough to thoroughly clean their teeth before putting on mouth guards.

According to the expert, a balanced diet combined with regular oral hygiene is the best prevention of dental diseases and helps to keep teeth strong and healthy.

Earlier, on March 23, Radko told Izvestia that stress affects not only general well-being, but also the condition of teeth. Clenching of the jaws, gnashing, as well as deterioration of immunity and changes in eating habits — all this can lead to the development of dental problems.