What’s the connection between nutrition and teeth? When Mount Vesuvius erupted, at least 2000 people from Pompeii died under millions of tons of volcanic ash. Archaeologists have been studying the plaster casts that were created of the victims and have learned how they lived, including the details about their diet and how nutrition and teeth health interacted. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques and discovered that the people of Pompeii had nearly perfect teeth.

It’s exciting to know that scientists have the technology to discover those facts. This same study attributes the quality of their teeth to the fact that they had a low-sugar diet, rich in fruit and vegetables — along with fluorine that was present in a local water source. Their pearly whites can be traced to the fact that they ate whole foods and had very little sugar, as cited in this article in the Business Insider.  Additional studies lie ahead and archeologists fully expect to learn more about the lives of the citizens of Pompeii by studying their teeth.

What Do Your Teeth Say About Your Lifestyle?

If archeologists were to study your teeth, what would they learn about your lifestyle? Would they discover nearly perfect teeth? We know the citizens of Pompeii ate a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and they had fluorine in their water. We could have the same healthy, perfect teeth if we adopted their diet for better nutrition and teeth health . One study cited that they ate better than we do, by eating all natural foods.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) there are seven best foods to eat to protect your teeth.

• Carrots and Celery

Carrots and celery keep your teeth healthy. Chewing on foods that are crunchy and high in fiber, cause your mouth to work hard and they also stimulate your gums. Healthy gums are an important component to having perfect teeth. These veggies also have beta-carotene in them, which your body needs to create vitamin A.

• Leafy Greens and Vegetables

Juicy and leafy vegetables are some of the best foods for your teeth. Cabbage, chard, and collard greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals needed to help maintain and improve your quest for perfect teeth. Dark leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain high amounts of magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium and magnesium. Phosphorus is stored in your teeth and is instrumental in helping maintain your oral health.

• Yogurt, Cheese and Milk

These dairy products are high in protein and calcium and are great in providing the strength and health of your teeth. In addition to the protein and calcium, the probiotics found in yogurt benefit your gums because the beneficial bacteria crowds our bacteria that causes cavities.

• Healthy Crunchables

Crunchy fruits and vegetables not only provide fiber and good nutrients, but they can help wipe out plaque-causing bacteria on your teeth. They can also increase the production of saliva, which helps neutralize bacteria in your mouth. Fresh apples are called nature’s toothbrush and are an excellent choice of crunchy fruits that will help perfect your teeth.

• Almonds

Almonds contain high levels of tooth-building calcium, and gum-stimulating fiber. As with some of the fruits and vegetables previously discussed, they provide gum-stimulation qualities and sweep away plaque build-up on your teeth.

• Fluoride

There was a source of fluoride in the water in Pompeii and today fluoride is found naturally in foods and water, fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Fluoride’s major job is to help prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

Nutrition and Teeth Suffer from Sugary Drink and Processed Foods with Added Sugar

It is noted in the studies about Pompeii that they had a low sugar diet that supported nutrtion and teeth benefits. If they did eat sweets it was honey or fresh fruits such as dates, etc.

Our diet in the USA is wrought with giant soft drinks and sugary processed foods, with hidden sugars in most of our food products. Plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, they are bad for your teeth. Water or milk are the perfect drinks to attain perfect teeth.

We have advantages that the people of Pompeii didn’t have. We have modern dentistry with technology and techniques that have brought many changes to the world of dentistry from past years.  Although there is no indication that the civilization in Pompeii had dentists, the condition of their teeth since 79 A.D. is evidence that if you focus on nutrition and teeth health you could have nearly perfect teeth.

Call for a Consultation

Dr. Chris Bockrath of Mountain Aire Dentistry concurs that nutrition and teeth health go hand in hand when it comes to a healthy mouth. If you currently have cavities or if you’re struggling with other issues with your teeth and gums, don’t put off seeking treatment. Waiting will make a bad situation worse. Contact Dr. Bockrath’s office at (303) 731-7755 and schedule an appointment for an examination.

Dr. Bockrath also encourages the practice of good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Regular check-ups are another important aspect of a healthy mouth. Dr. Bockrath provides a wide variety of services and is here to help you attain a nearly perfect smile.

Conveniently located at 291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr in Broomfield, Colorado, Dr. Bockrath serves Broomfield and the surrounding communities of Erie, Superior, Thornton, Lafayette, and Westminster. Known for his gentle, compassionate and personal care, he is here to help you achieve your own nearly perfect teeth.