There are four essential habits you should follow to keep your smile shining bright for years to come. The first thing you should do is visit our dentist in Pembroke for regular checkups. Second, brush, floss, and rinse your smile with antibacterial mouthwash every day. Third, avoid sugary foods, especially between meals.
The fourth thing you need to do to protect your smile is maintain a healthy, balanced diet. This means eating a rich a varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients that are essential for keeping your body fit and your smile strong.
Foods that Feed Your Smile
A good diet will help keep your immune system strong so your body can fight off dental infections like cavities and gum disease. A diet that’s rich in the minerals calcium, and phosphorous will also fortify your smile. Good sources of calcium include cheese, yogurt, seafood, spinach, kale, low-fat milk, almonds, and tofu. Red meat, fish, Brazil nuts, eggs, and pumpkin seeds are all rich in phosphorus.
Here are some of the best foods for maintaining a healthy smile:
Water
Water is the best thing you can drink for maintaining a healthy smile. Taking frequent drinks of water is a great way to rinse your smile of the plaque and food particles that cause gum disease and tooth decay. This is particularly important if you snack on sugary foods between meals. Water also replenishes saliva, which is essential for good oral health.
Crunchy, High-Fiber Fruits
Fruits such as celery, apples, pears, and carrots are very beneficial for your smile. The combination of liquid and fiber in these delicious snacks keeps your mouth moisturized while scraping harmful plaque and food particles away from your teeth. Plus, carrots and celery are a good source of Vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection.
Almonds
In addition to being rich in healthy calcium and protein, almonds are also a delicious snack that’s naturally low in sugar. They also contain a lot of healthy fiber.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
These three dairy products are all high in calcium, which helps to keep the enamel in your teeth strong. Cheese also raises the pH level in your mouth. This will decrease your risk of contracting tooth decay. Yogurt is rich in probiotics that help prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Protecting Smiles in Pembroke
At Parkview Dental, we’re committed to promoting healthy smiles. Call today to schedule your next checkup. We also offer cosmetic and restorative treatments including veneers and dental implants to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.