Oral health contributes greatly to self-esteem because your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Maintain your dazzling smile by keeping a few things in mind.

Careful With Your Coffee

Cream and sugar in your coffee induces a faster proliferation of cavity causing bacteria. The tannin found in coffee also settles in the hollows and depressions of teeth, making it look rough and discolored. So don’t drink your coffee for hours, just take it black and finish it quickly. Choose less sugary treats for breakfast. Try munching on a bran bagel or a fruit.

Take Note Of The Acids

Acid erodes the enamel of the teeth irreversibly. Sodas have phosphoric acid, fermented foods like yogurt have malic acid, wine has tartaric acid and citrus fruits have citric acid. Consuming these foods weakens the hard shell of the teeth. Saliva ideally dilutes the acidic environment and returns it to a neutral pH level. However, when consumption of these foods is continuous your saliva is unable to do its job well and the damage becomes permanent. Carbonated drinks must be strictly regulated.

Brush Up On Your Food Pyramid

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes food from all the major food groups. Eliminating even just one group, as is often the case for trend diets, causes nutritional deficiencies that weaken the teeth. Eat fruits and vegetables, bread and whole grains, dairy products, legumes, meat and seafood. Sugar and syrups coat the enamel of the teeth and hastens corrosion. So avoid consuming sweet or sticky desserts and snacks. If you have to eat them then brush immediately afterward or chew sugar-free gum.

Keep your snacks teeth-friendly too, junk food or fast food is high in salt and sugar, neither of which is good for your teeth. Consider munching on a handful of peanuts, fresh vegetables, or a small serving of cheese. Aside from being healthy options in between meals, they also promote a healthier smile.

Stock Up On Calcium & Other Vitamins

Your teeth and jawbones are made up of calcium. Keep them strong and healthy by consuming foods like cheese, milk, oysters and beans which are high in calcium. Vitamin C deficiency causes weak and bleeding gums which loosens the teeth boost your vitamin C levels by eating red peppers, mustard shoots, parsley, broccoli and papaya.

Vitamin D is responsible for calcium absorption. Your calcium intake, no matter how large, will be ineffective if the body is unable to absorb it. Examples of vitamin D-rich foods are cod liver oil, tuna, salmon and mackerel.

Niacin and riboflavin are also oral-health superstars; they are responsible for gum health and keep the mouth free of sores. They are found in chicken, pork, spinach, fish, almonds and liver.

You may have noticed that a teeth-friendly diet also translates to a diet for general health. This is because the mouth is a window to the soul of your body’s wellness. And taking care of your smile also means taking care of your whole body.

Author Bio: Discover 8 Tips things to consider when choosing Virginia Beach Dentist to avoid strain on your budget and maintain good dental care for your family. Family dentistry choice is an important decision and VA Beach Dentist HQ has the answers you need to make a right one.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: dental health, va beach dentist, virginia beach dentist, family dentistry, oral health