Start the New Year Strong: 4 Foods That Promote a Healthier Smile
Start the New Year with Foods that Promote a Healthier Smile
It’s a new year and that means New Year’s resolutions for many of us. Many people resolve to lose weight after all that holiday snacking. Weight loss aside, eating healthy foods is a great resolution for any one! Did you know there are many foods that promote a healthier smile? Read on to find out which foods can help leave your gums healthy and teeth sparkling!
Dairy Products
You probably already know that foods like cheese, milk and yogurt are high in calcium, and calcium promote a healthier smile by giving you strong bones and teeth. But did you know these foods also benefit your gums? Your mouth produces bacteria which produces acid. Ahis acid can be irritating to your gum tissue. Most dairy products contain a protein known as casein which helps neutralize those acids. So go ahead and have a slice of cheese, a glass of milk, or a cup of yogurt!
Fresh, Firm & Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Foods like apples, carrots, and celery are naturally abrasive due to their firm, crunchy texture. They help gently remove plaque and food from your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables require lots of chewing. The resulting saliva provides another way to neutralize the acids in your mouth. These are all great foods that promote a healthier smile!
Raw Onions
Although they are probably not the first item you reach for when wanting a snack, raw onions actually have antimicrobial properties. That means they help fight bacteria that can leads to gum disease and cavities.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Spinach and kale are some dark, leafy greens that contain lots of vitamins and minerals. And these are all beneficial to the whole body. They contain things like calcium, B vitamins, and folic acid. Not a fan of a nice green salad? Try adding some spinach to a fruit smoothie.
Remember, these are just a few examples of healthy food choices. Choose fresh, whole foods to add to your diet and you’ll be sure to keep that New Year’s resolution. These foods that promote a healthier smile will get you well on your way to a great new year.