We’ve all heard the impact that foods and diet can have on your smile and overall oral health. However, few of us actually take this into account and eat foods that will make our smile and teeth wronger and healthier. A healthy mouth signifies the health of the rest of your body. By eating food that help your teeth, you’ll go a long way towards increasing your overall health and well-being.
In this article we’re going to cover the top foods for your teeth that will increase their strength and appearance.
Milk
We all think of milk when talking about healthy bones, however milk is good for the strength of your teeth as well. The calcium in milk helps to keep your gums healthy and thriving and will help to ward off gum disease. Milk also keeps your jawbones nice and healthy and strong as well. It’s important to each a lot of calcium to maintain teeth and bone strength. This is especially important for women. You can even drink fat-free or 1% milk if you’re worried about the fat content.
Salmon
Salmon, especially wild salmon have a good amount of vitamin D. This crucial vitamin is absolutely necessary for a healthy smile. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb and actually utilize calcium. So, without an abundant supply for vitamin D your body will essentially have a lot of calcium, with no way to process it. The vitamin D occurring in wild salmon and other fish is easier for your body to absorb and utilize.
Oranges
Oranges are usually associated with a high vitamin C with not only improves your immune system, but strengthens your gums as well. The vitamin C, strengthens the connective tissue and blood vessels throughout your body, including your mouth. Oranges also reduce inflammation, so they can go a long way towards preventing gingivitis. This also extends to other fruits in the citrus family. So, eat plenty of oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits on a regular basis.
Water
Water isn’t technically a food, however it’s extremely beneficial towards maintaining oral health. For starters, water washes away food that may be left in your teeth, and keeps your saliva levels functioning at a high level. Having a steady supply of saliva actually counteracts acids that may be trying to eat away at your teeth. Saliva is also over 90% water, so staying hydrated keeps this at the levels it needs to be at. Whenever you’re thirsty reach for a glass of water over sodas or other sugary drinks. Water will keep you hydrated better than sodas ever could, and doesn’t have any negative effects.
Strawberries
Strawberries are also very high in vitamin C. So, it you’re having a hard time eating a lot of citrus you can always substitute it with a handful of strawberries. In face just a half cup of strawberries provides over seventy percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
I hope this has been helpful and you now know what foods to focus on eating every day to guarantee a healthy mouth, smile and gums for years to come.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/diet-oral-health
Zane Schwarzlose writes for Greenspoint Dental, a Houston dental practice. Zane thinks that eating right is key to good oral health.
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