Diet in old age

The diet of older people should be arranged to be kind to the teeth

Acids from foods such as wine, fruit juices, soft drinks or fruit dissolve minerals out of the tooth substance – the enamel – and so attack the teeth. If the teeth are cleaned regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, the natural remineralisation through the saliva is supported and the hard tooth substance can regenerate. In old age, remineralisation through saliva declines as a result of reduced saliva flow. All the more important, therefore, is a sufficient supply of calcium and fluoride from outside. That can come both from food (through dairy products, for example) and from a suitable toothpaste. Precisely now, value should be placed on regular and thorough oral hygiene. It should be supported by the use of fluoridated, iodised table salt – a simple and effective way of doing the teeth some good

Sugar

To give harmful bacteria as little food as possible, it makes sense to keep the frequency of sugar intake as low as possible. For the teeth it is better to enjoy a large slice of cake with coffee than to eat a bar of chocolate piece by piece over a longer period. Particular attention should be paid to hidden sugars, for instance in tinned food but also in many convenience products. A diet rich in vitamins and calcium is of great importance for healthy teeth at every age. Regular consumption of dairy and wholegrain products, fresh fruit and vegetables and brown rice is particularly recommended. Egg, lean meat and fish round off a tooth-friendly diet