Most people know that that carbonated soft drinks and foods that are high in carbohydrates can damage your smile. But many people don’t realize that there are many dietary choices that actually bolster the health of your smile. Our dentist in Oak Harbor offers advice on dietary choices that can help you keep your smile strong and shining bright.
It’s important to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to maintain both your overall health and dental health. A good way to make sure you’re getting your necessary vitamins and minerals is by selecting both fruits and vegetables that come in a wide variety of colors.
Calcium and Phosphorus–Essential Minerals for Your Smile
Your teeth are made of minerals, and two of the most important minerals you should be getting in your diet to strengthen your teeth are phosphorus and calcium. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, but calcium can also be found in a number of other healthy foods such as almonds, broccoli, okra, brazil nuts, and black-eyed peas. Phosphorus is available in meat, eggs, fish, tofu, yogurt, and spinach.
Vitamins C and Vitamin D
Vitamin C is essential for helping your body resist infections and diseases. The two most common infections that can damage your smile are tooth decay and gum disease. You can find Vitamin C in a variety of foods including strawberries, kiwi, oranges, pineapple, cauliflower, peas, bell peppers, and kale.
Vitamin D provides numerous benefits for your overall health. It’s essential for a healthy smile because it makes it easier for your body to absorb calcium. You can find Vitamin D in cheese, eggs, mushrooms, and tuna. You can also get Vitamin D from being out in the sun, but make sure to use plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin.
Fruit That’s Crunchy and Juicy
All fruit contains Vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. High-fiber fruits that are crunchy and watery such as apples, celery, carrots, and pears provide an additional benefit for your smile — they help scrape your teeth clean as you chew them. They also help you avoid dry mouth. This is important because the saliva in a well-hydrated mouth helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Cheese and Yogurt
In addition to being high in calcium that supports your teeth and bones, these two dairy products provide extra benefits for your smile. Yogurt is rich in probiotics which help inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause both cavities and gum disease. Cheese raises the pH level in your mouth and this also helps prevent cavities.
Your Full Service Dentist in White Oak
Dr. Owoc of White Oak Dental Associates offers a wide array of dental services. Call today to schedule your next checkup! Feel free to ask about how our dental implants and other cosmetic and restorative treatments can help you achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming about.