You have probably heard about a number of foods that are “bad” for your smile, but what about the inverse? Today, our Glendale dentists are going to be sharing some information about ways you can actually improve your oral health through diet. Keep reading to learn more…
Crunchy Vegetables
Snacking on crunchy vegetables, like carrots, celery, and cucumbers not only provides your with essential nutrients, it also helps to refresh your smile. As you chew on water-rich veggies, you promote saliva production, and, through the action of chewing, you scrape away accumulated plaque.
Dairy
Dairy products can support oral health for a number of reasons. First of all, they are high in calcium. Additionally, they contain a good amount of phosphate, which promotes enamel re-mineralization, and they help to maintain healthy pH levels in your mouth. They key is to look for cheeses, yogurts, and milk products that are low in sugar and, whenever possible, are loaded with probiotics.
Fruit
Snacking on fruits that are high in vitamin C will help you maintain healthy collagen and oral tissues; did you know that kiwi, for example, contains an exceptionally high quantity of vitamin C? Whole fruits also contain antioxidants. Keep in mind that many fruits contain a lot of natural sugars; it’s best to consume them during particular periods of the day, rather than snacking continuously.
Leafy Greens
Try to incorporate broccoli, spinach, lettuce, and kale into your diet to get the calcium, folic acid, and vitamin C that your smile needs. The act of chewing crunchy leafy greens also refreshes your smile and minimizes plaque build-up.
Water
One of the best things that you can do for your smile is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Plain old H2O rinses away plaque and dental debris, jump-starts saliva production, and supports strong teeth because it contains fluoride. Any time that you are able to swap a sugary drink with water, you are making a good decision for your oral health.
The next time you’re contemplating a snack, or planning a meal, consider reaching for something that is smile-friendly. Our Glendale dentists are here to answer any questions that you may have in the meantime!