Healthy Diet, Healthy Teeth!

Brushing and flossing remain to be the best protection against bad breath, decay, and yellowish teeth. However, a healthy and well-balanced meal can also help to whiten teeth and make gums healthier. Fruits and vegetables have many nutrients that include calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D to name a few.

Here is the top five list of foods to eat to help whiten teeth and brighten one’s smile.

CHEESE and MILK

WebMD writes that as dairy food options like cheese and milk can protect the enamel of the teeth and prevent them from getting any cavities by encouraging saliva production to help neutralize the acid in the mouth. Furthermore, the calcium, phosphorous and protein in the dairy foods protect the teeth enamel from erosion and decay. There are also studies that indicate dairy increases the strength of the minerals in the surface of the teeth.

APPLES

Eating Well shares that chewing on apples can scrub away the dirt and slime off teeth, making them whiter and cleaner. These delicious fruits have high malic acid concentration, which is similarly found in toothpaste. This acid is known to help remove the stain and increase saliva production for cleaning the teeth.

SEEDS and NUTS

According to Dr. Matthew Messina from the American Dental Association, chewing on nuts, seeds and other lightly abrasive foods can help rub off the plaque and stains from the surface of the teeth, MSN Health writes. Eating almonds or munching on cashews can be a good afternoon snack because besides being rich in protein and good fats, they can make teeth white and bright.

FISH and FLAX

WebMD adds that for teeth to maintain its health and whiteness, gum disease must be avoided at all times because it can collect bacteria in the pockets which lead to inflammation and connective tissue damage. This is why it is also important to feast on foods that can help in reducing inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

These fatty acids are rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients and can be found in fish, flaxseed and fish oil. If individuals continue to eat diets high in omega-3 they become more resistant to infection and sickness, thus making them resistant to gum problems as well.

BROCCOLI

This vegetable is rich in fiber, making it help reduce the inflammation and infection in the mouth and gums, Eating Well adds. Munching on the crisp and raw broccoli can cleanse and polish teeth and mouth. Furthermore, the iron in these vegetables can also add protection to the teeth by fighting against acid that cause bacteria, preventing cavities and stains.

Originally posted here.