Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs

Fit These Foods Into Your Diet To Help Build A Healthy Smile

25 November 2015

Joe Lawrence

When it comes to building a healthy, bright smile, regular dental checkups are integral. Another key way to achieve this goal is by not only avoiding foods that can harm your oral health, but by including smile-friendly foods in your diet. A wide range of foods, many of which are easy to find at your local supermarket and include in your diet, can actually improve the health of your mouth in several ways. The next time you're working on a grocery list, be sure to include these three foods, and you'll have an extra reason to smile at your upcoming dentist appointment.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as spinach and kale have a wide range of health benefits for your body as a whole, including your mouth and teeth. Where your teeth are concerned, leafy greens are packed with calcium, which can help you strengthen your teeth and make them less resistant to decay. These vegetables are versatile; you can add them to lettuce to bolster the nutritional value of a salad, enjoy them mixed into soup or slip a few leaves into your sandwich at lunch. If you or a family member has trouble digesting dairy products, which are a valuable source of calcium, leafy greens can serve as a valuable alternative.

Apples

Whether you grab an apple as you rush out of the house in the morning or pack one in your lunch for a healthy afternoon snack, you're helping your smile with each bite. Apples are slightly acidic but not acidic enough to harm your tooth enamel. Instead, the acid helps to actually clean and whiten your teeth. It's best to eat the apple peel, too, as it's crucial in the teeth-cleaning process. An additional benefit of apples is that they're packed with fiber. Consuming fiber helps you to feel full, which can mean that you'll be less likely to crave an unhealthy snack that can harm your oral health, such as chocolate or candy.

Oranges

You might already know that oranges are packed with vitamin C, but this vitamin does more than just bolster your immune system. It also plays a pivotal role in building stronger blood vessels and connective tissue throughout your body, including in your mouth. This means that the consumption of oranges can help you build stronger gums. Additionally, vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory, which can reduce your likelihood of gingivitis. Oranges are ideal because of their versatility; they're easily found and quick to eat even if you're on the go.

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