When it comes to keeping a healthy smile, you probably know the foods to stay away from. While high-sugared foods and acidic drinks can cause harm to your pearly whites, there are also some dietary choices that can boost your oral health. Our bodies are like complex machines, and what we fuel them with can drastically affect their function and condition – either negatively and positively. Understanding what foods and nutrients your mouth needs for optimal health can not only help your smile look and feel its best, but your whole body will benefit too because your mouth and body are closely linked together.
Nutrition for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Optimal dental health should always be fostered with daily brushing and flossing as well as routine teeth cleanings with your dentist. However, what you eat can also benefit your oral health. Try to maintain a balanced diet while adding these top nutrients for a strong, healthy and confident smile:
- Calcium: Your mouth loves dairy. In fact, some calcium-rich foods can offer a protective benefit for your teeth and gums. Consider choices such as milk, yogurt and cheese to boost the strength of your teeth. Calcium can also be found in tofu, canned salmon, almonds and dark green leafy vegetables.
- Phosphorus: This mineral helps support calcium in building strong bones and teeth. It’s easy to find phosphorus too. You can get it by eating eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts and beans.
- Vitamin C: We know that this vitamin is essential to our body’s healing and has the remarkable ability to help repair tissues. Therefore, this antioxidant is well-appreciated by your gums. For optimal gum health, eat citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes and spinach.
Consider Your Eating Habits
Not only does what you put in your mouth impact your oral health, but how you eat can also make it a difference. Your eating habits can make or break a healthy smile. Not only should you try to brush or rinse your mouth with water after eating sugary or acidic foods and drinks, but you should also be mindful of your snacking habits.
Resist the urge to snack frequently because the more you graze throughout the day, the more chances your teeth will negatively respond to the acids and sugars that linger behind. If you must snack, be sure to choose healthy choices like raw vegetables, fruits, plain yogurt or popcorn.
For more tips on eating for oral health, please contact a member of our dental team at Smile Structure. Our San Antonio dental practice offers an unwavering commitment to provide personalized and comfortable dental care to our patients, which always includes helping them keep their smile as healthy as possible in between dental visits.
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