Eat Your Way To A Healthy, Attractive Smile
Brushing and flossing your teeth may be priorities for your health and wellness, but other steps may be necessary to improve your smile. Of course, seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and exams is also important, but following a well-balanced diet may also improve your mouth, teeth, and gums. While shocking to hear, you can actually eat your way to a healthy and attractive smile. If you want to improve the health and overall appearance of your teeth and gums, consider incorporating one or all of these foods into your diet.
Salmon
If you are not eating salmon, you need to change up your diet immediately. Not only is it delicious, but salmon is also rich in omega 3-fatty acids. These acids are beneficial for your heart health, but they also help prevent periodontal disease.
Omega 3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help fight off bacteria while easing the inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with gum disease.
Unfortunately, many people struggle eating fish. Whether you do not enjoy the taste or you are a vegetarian, consider taking an omega 3 fatty acid supplement.
Each day, take a supplement that contains between 250 mg to 3000 mg of combined EHA and DHA, which are the most essential omega 3 fatty acids.
Cheese
Cheese is another food that you should incorporate into your diet. Loaded in calcium and protein, cheese strengthens the tooth enamel, which protects the teeth from potential stains, cavities, and more involved decay.
In addition, cheese raises the pH levels in your mouth, which helps fight off bacteria and germs, decreasing tartar buildup that can lead to decay and gum disease.
Consider adding cheese to your salads and other meals. Or, enjoy a snack each day with a few bites of cheddar, Monterey jack, or brie cheeses.
Apples
You may have heard the saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but eating apples can also reduce the number of times you need to see a dentist. Of course, be sure to continue visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and exams even if you are eating an apple a day.
Apples may be sweet, but they do not contain excessive amounts of sugar. They DO contain a good amount of water and fiber, which are both beneficial for your teeth and gums.
The moist apples keep your mouth cool and wet, which helps your saliva wash away food particles and plaque. The fibrous texture also helps clean residue from your teeth and gums.
Leafy Greens
Lastly, make sure to eat your greens. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, collards, and Brussel sprouts, contain vitamins and nutrients that improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
These foods are excellent for your cardiovascular health, digestive system, and overall physical and emotional health, but they can benefit your smile, as well.
These green leafy vegetables are also good sources of calcium, which strengthen the enamel and underlying teeth. Also, consuming one or more of these leafy greens will increase your intake of folic acid. This essential vitamin B reduces inflammation, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Many people struggle consuming vegetables each day, but you can still receive these essential nutrients. Consider boiling a green leafy vegetable in a pot of water for under a minute. Drain the water into a container and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, drink the water.
No matter how balanced and healthy your diet is, brushing, flossing, and routine visits to your dentist are imperative for your oral health. By consuming salmon, cheese, apples, and leafy greens, you can eat your way to a healthy and attractive smile. For more information, contact a local cosmetic dentist.
Share
