Which Healthy Foods Promote Healthy Smiles?

Did you know it is possible to eat your way to a healthy smile? Oral health is not just about brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. In many cases, what you put into your mouth has as much of an impact, as the routine care of your teeth.

Your body needs the right combination of nourishment from your daily meals and refreshments. The right food and beverages can help you avoid dental problems, and build an effective immune system. Your oral health depends on it, so does the rest of your body.

You Have Heard the Bad News

Many people know eating foods high in sugar, like candy and sodas, creates an environment in your mouth that makes it prone to more tooth decay and gum disease. Most dentists have noticed an increase in the number of cavities in children and young adults today, compared to previous generations.

Dental experts link the increase of cavities to the poor quality of food that is regularly consumed. The worst culprits are often both the fructose and other processed sugars found in sweetened drinks, and the snacks and sodas, often also devoid of nutrition.

It is one of the biggest problems, according to the American Dental Association, stating "When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay."

It's Not All About the Bad

The nutritious foods can actually aid your body in restoring health to your gums and teeth. Passionate, Persuasive and Powerful Prevention, a health website, offers some great tips about how food affects not only your nutrition, but also your oral health.

    Avoid carbohydrates for snacks, and instead eat them during meals. Larger meals produce more saliva, and help to wash away the sticky sugar substance that carbohydrate-rich food contains.

    Replace sugary drinks with black or green tea. These teas are rich in the antioxidants that help prevent plaque buildup and reduce your chances of developing gum disease.

    Start the habit of taking at least 800 mg. of calcium each day, and you will be less likely to develop severe gum disease. Eating more calcium will build stronger teeth, since ninety-nine percent of the body's calcium is in the bones and teeth.

Healthy, nutritious foods give your body the support it needs to fight bacteria, and they can be more satisfying. This will help you to maintain overall bodily health. Just eating an antioxidant-rich diet, packed with vegetables, oils, protein and fruits, can improve your oral health. Try it.