Succumbing to the latest health trends might be part of your plight to achieve a fit physique, but do you select foods to help keep your mouth in tip-top shape? Much like overindulging in calories, failing to pay close attention to which foods impact teeth and gums is irresponsible.
Consider the three following strategies for maintaining a natural, healthy smile.
1. Cut Out Added Sugars
While brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist for semi-annual cleanings are necessary habits to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, you should maintain a low-sugar diet for strong teeth, too. Think about how your mouth feels after drinking sugar-laden soft drinks. For sporadic soda drinkers, your mouth likely feels sticky and coated because of the high sugar content. When you eat or drink something high in sugar, the plaque bacteria in your mouth turns it into acid which in turn, erodes enamel. Stick to water or the occasional naturally flavored sparkling beverages for hydration and to flush toxins. Or, opt for almond or low-fat milk for the added calcium.
2. Minimize Acid Consumption
Many fruit juices contain added sugars that can hurt your teeth and gums just as much as soda. Always opt for fresh-squeezed when possible to eliminate processed beverages that contain additives. Better yet, skip the orange juice and eat the whole fruit instead – you’ll fill up faster and won’t miss out on the necessary fiber to keep your gastrointestinal track moving. When eating acidic fruits and veggies, balance out your diet with healthy starches and plenty of water.
3. Supplement Your Diet
Getting 100 percent of daily nutritional needs from food alone isn’t always possible, whether you’re traveling, dieting or simply indulging in a cheat day. For these instances, supplement with vitamins. Cod Liver Oil vitamins have high quantities of Vitamins A, D and K. Or, you can switch up your food prep routine to include oral-friendly oils. Coconut oil is full of healthy fats and can be added to smoothies, blended into coffee or melted into tea.
Despite maintaining a well-rounded nutritional profile, you might still encounter a cavity or two throughout your lifetime. Contact Assure A Smile for a check-up, evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
