Healthy Living

Want Pearly Whites? Try These Foods

Want Pearly Whites?  Try These Foods

Brushing and flossing the teeth regularly helps to maintain a healthy oral cavity. Food also plays a role in keeping the teeth white and bright. Acids present in the food may erode the tooth enamel causing it to erode leading to tooth decay. Certain foods like sugar free gum, sugar free drinks, cheese, and milk stimulate the production of saliva that wash off the food from the teeth and help to neutralize the acids in the food.

A healthy oral cavity and bright smile results from healthy gums. Preventing gum disease is equally important in maintaining healthy gums and a bright smile. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids prevents inflammation and provides protection against the gum disease. Some of the food rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish like salmon and herring. It is also present in flaxseed.

Some of the foods that should be avoided to have bright teeth include sugary drinks and snacks. This is because sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that increase the acid production which erodes the enamel leading to the formation of cavities. One should also avoid starchy foods like rice, potatoes, and pasta. These starchy foods can also raise the acid levels in the mouth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are known to stain the teeth. Avoid these and opt for water and sugar-free drinks to wash off the acid-producing food from the mouth.