Most people know they need a range of minerals to maintain health, but many do not fully understand everything they need and why they need it in their diet. One of the minerals you might not know too much about is fluoride. So, why do you need fluoride in your diet, what happens if you do not get enough, and what are the best foods to eat?
Why Do You Need Fluoride in Your Diet?
Fluoride is a mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health, as it helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride also inhibits the growth of bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, fluoride can help to reverse early-stage tooth decay by remineralizing weakened enamel. Incorporating fluoride into your diet can help ensure that you get the amount of this mineral your body needs to maintain good oral health.
What Happens If You Do Not Get Enough Fluoride in Your Diet?
If you don’t get enough fluoride in your diet, you may be at an increased risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. This is because fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth.
Over time, the acid produced by these bacteria can erode your tooth enamel. In turn, this leads to tooth decay and cavities. By incorporating fluoride into your diet, you can help prevent this erosion and keep your teeth healthy.
It’s important to note that while fluoride is beneficial for oral health, getting too much fluoride can also be harmful. It’s important to follow the recommended guidelines for fluoride intake to ensure that you are getting the right amount for optimal health.
What Are the Best Foods Containing Fluoride?
Fluoride is commonly found in many foods and drinks, especially those that are made with public water supplies. Some of the best sources of fluoride include:
- Tea: Both green and black tea are rich in fluoride, with some studies showing that tea can contain up to 3-4 times the amount of fluoride found in tap water.
- Fish and seafood: Many varieties of fish and seafood, including shrimp, salmon, and canned tuna, contain fluoride.
- Grapes: Grapes and raisins contain small amounts of fluoride, as do other fruits like apples and pears.
- Meat and poultry: Some types of meat and poultry, such as chicken and beef, contain fluoride.
- Water: Public water supplies in many areas are treated with fluoride, specifically to help prevent tooth decay. Drinking tap water can be a good source of fluoride.
It’s important to note that the amount of fluoride in foods can vary widely depending on factors like where the food was grown or raised, how it was prepared, and how much fluoride is in the water used to prepare it.
Recommended Recipes
Some of our favourite recipes that will help you to include fluoride in your diet include:
- Salmon tagliatelle with broccoli
- Beef tostadas
- Beef massaman curry
- Beef goulash
- Beef stew and dumplings
If you are interested in reading about minerals that are part of a healthy diet, you might also like to read our articles about copper, iodine, manganese, and molybdenum.
Do you know any fantastic recipes that contain fluoride? Let us know in the comments below.