Food For Healthy Teeth & Gums — Six Sigma

 ● Calcium: It is an important element in the formation of bones and teeth. They contain 99% of the calcium in our bodies. The remaining 1% is found in blood, extracellular fluid, and adipose tissue. Calcium is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, blood clotting and heart function, and the maintenance of blood pressure. It also prevents the formation of colon tumors & kidney stones. An average amount of 1,000 mg of calcium per day is recommended. The main source of calcium in the daily diet is milk. There are other foods that contain calcium: grains, vegetables or dark green vegetables, nuts, beans, and especially small fish that can be eaten with bones, such as sardines or anchovies.

 ● Phosphorus: It is the second most generous mineral in the body. Together with calcium, it forms the structure of bones and teeth. Among other things, it helps to maintain muscle activity and the body's acid-base balance. It is found in animal foods such as milk and dairy products, eggs, and fish, and also in plant foods such as nuts.

● Fluoride: Taken orally, it is particularly useful during the teeth-forming periods of life. Strengthens the structure of tooth enamel, protects against tooth decay, and remineralizes tooth enamel. Too high a dose can change the tooth structure and cause what is known as fluorosis. It occurs in varying concentrations in water and foods such as tea, depending on geographic region. To a lesser extent in other plant foods: tomatoes, beans, lentils, cherries, potatoes. For animals: mackerel, sardines, beef liver, fresh fish. 

● Vitamin D: Facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It is found in oily fish, fish liver oil, margarine, eggs, milk, and dairy products. Part of this vitamin is formed in the skin as a result of exposure to the sun's rays, so it is important to moderate exposure to the sun, especially for children (they are in the period of tooth and bone formation) and the elderly (the absorption capacity decreases). digestion of vitamin D from food). 

● Vitamin C: It interferes with collagen synthesis in the gums and in the rest of the body. In addition, it intervenes in the formation of cartilage, tendons, bones, and teeth, favoring the proper formation of osteoid material and the functioning of osteoblasts. On the other hand, vitamin C protects the coalition/unification of the blood vessels, maintains their porous, and thus protects the periodontium from bacterial strikes. It is found in fruits known as citrus fruits (orange, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit), kiwi, fresh soybeans, tomatoes, green peppers, lettuce, potatoes, and cauliflower. 

● Vitamin A: It is involved in the formation and development of bones and teeth, prevents infections, and has antioxidant and anti-cancer functions. Its deficit leads to a change in the structure of bones and teeth and dehydration of the mucous membranes, which increases susceptibility to tooth decay and infections. It is found in foods of animal origin such as oily fish, egg yolk, butter, cheese, and whole milk. It is also found in plant foods such as apricots, melons, carrots, mangoes, peaches, spinach, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and medlars.