No More Natural Teeth: Deciding Between Implants and Dentures

Eating For A Healthy Smile

by Jeremiah Barnett

Having a healthy mouth improves your overall health, and a white smile boosts your confidence. It is important to make your oral health a priority. Visit your dentist twice a year and brush and floss every day to keep your mouth clean and healthy. You can also eat nutrient-dense foods to promote your oral health. Here are four foods and beverages that promote a healthy smile.

Oily cold-water fish

Oily cold-water fish, sometimes called fatty fish, bring plenty of nutrients to the table, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for your oral health because it helps your body to absorb calcium. Like bones, teeth require mineral replenishment. Over a period of time, your teeth are worn down by chewing, biting, and talking. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb the calcium it needs to fortify your teeth. Reach for salmon, herring, and trout for a delicious, protein-packed way to get the vitamin D your body needs to help strengthen your teeth.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines help reduce your risk of gum disease. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that has anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing your intake of citrus fruits helps to address symptoms of gingivitis, one of the most common forms of gum disease that affects adults, by reducing inflammation and bleeding upon probing. Vitamin C also plays a role in wound healing and strengthens supportive tissues in your mouth, such as cartilage. You can easily incorporate citrus fruits into your daily diet by snacking on orange wedges or throwing together a fruit salad for breakfast.

Green tea

Green tea has been recognized by the American Academy of Periodontology as a positive force for oral health. An antioxidant found in green tea called catechin reduces inflammation in people with gingivitis. Further, a study found that people who drank green tea daily showed less symptoms of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Green tea is a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables

Crunchy fruits and vegetables contribute to a healthy smile. The vigorous chewing required to break down crunchy produce stimulates saliva production. The increased saliva flows through your mouth and removes harmful food particles on your teeth, thereby reducing your development of plaque. Reach for apples, pears, carrots, or celery to help combat tooth decay. You can also indulge your sweet teeth with an apple or pear and not worry about sugar harming your teeth; the high water content in these fruits negates the harm from their sugar.

For more information, talk to the dentist at a local clinic like Adobe Dentistry

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