The Role of Nutrition in a Healthy Smile

Eating a nutritious diet keeps your whole body healthy, including your smile. Most people are aware of how the consistency of certain foods can be dangerous to teeth. For example, hard candies can chip or crack your teeth and some types of chewing gum can pull out fillings and other dental restorations.

You also need to be careful about:

• Foods high in sugar which can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities
• Starchy foods which convert quickly to sugar
• Sweets that sit on your teeth for long periods like hard candies and caramels

The Best Foods

It’s also important to choose foods that will promote good dental health. There are a variety of foods that can yield positive results. Here are five categories to look for:

1. Calcium and Vitamin D

Foods high in calcium and Vitamin D strengthen both your teeth and bones, protecting you from tooth loss.

2. Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and veggies help remove plaque from your teeth because you make saliva from all of the chewing they require. They also contribute to fresh breath.

• Folic acid in fruits and vegetables supports cell growth in your entire body
• Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables protects your gums from infection
• Vitamin A in fruits and vegetables strengthens tooth enamel

3. Xylitol

Not all gum is bad for your teeth. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some gum that is actually recommended by many dentists. It keeps the harmful bacteria in plaque from metabolizing sugar. That means it keeps harmful acids from damaging your tooth enamel.

4. Water

Water is great for your mouth. Just make sure it has fluoride- many bottled waters don’t. Chances are that your tap water does. An estimated 67 percent of homes in the United States have tap water with the proper levels of fluoride for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride actually adds minerals to your teeth to reverse damage caused by enamel-stripping acids.

5. Spices

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. If you have irritated gums, eating foods served with ginger can help. Basil reduces bacteria in the mouth, acting as a natural antibiotic. Cocoa is also a natural inflammatory.

Eating well is essential for your body’s total health and that includes your teeth. Don’t forget to brush and floss daily to keep your teeth clean and free of plaque. Also visit your dentist for your scheduled check-ups and tooth cleanings for a continued healthy smile.

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