4 Superfoods That Will Protect Your Smile

by Kevin Smith Author

Practitioners of general dentistry in Houston, TX, will agree that eating the wrong kinds of foods will damage your teeth but a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can protect your smile. Here are just a few super foods that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

Broccoli

Fresh broccoli is a super veggie packed with iron and other nutrients that will protect your teeth. Iron reinforces tooth enamel by creating an acid-resistant barrier that also fights cavities. When eaten raw, broccoli is a natural abrasive that helps clean your teeth and prevent the formation of plaque. Boiling your vegetables removes the iron which is why steaming is the preferred method of cooking for this superfood. Steaming also lets you preserve the crunchiness of your broccoli.

Oranges

Oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C that supports a healthy immune system and can also prevent gingivitis. However, for patients with acid reflux, eating citrus can aggravate their conditions. Some dentist advice against overeating citrus because of their high acid content but there are other ways you can use citrus to protect your smile. The peel of an orange is high in vitamin C, pectin, and soluble fiber without the acid found in the meat of the fruit. Rub the white side of the peel against your teeth for a vitamin-rich exfoliating scrub.

Cheese

Cheese contains calcium and phosphorus that help strengthen bones as well as remineralize. Calcium works with iron to help protect your teeth from cavities and staining by shielding it from acid. Since cheese is devoid of color, there is no chance of staining. Hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda help clean your teeth which is why many people use it as a palate cleanser after drinking wine. Lactic acid in cheese and other dairy products help break down plaque and prevent tooth decay.

Coconut

Coconut has gained considerable attention in recent years as more people have realized its whitening power. Coconut contains lauric acid that kills the bacteria responsible for forming plaque and staining teeth. To incorporate coconut into your routine, you can swish with a tablespoon of coconut oil once a day for 10 minutes or you can drink coconut water which is also said to help patients with digestive issues.

These are just a few super foods that will help you maintain a healthy smile injunction with a low-sugar diet and regular cleanings your local dentist. Annual cleanings, x-ray, and fluoride treatments are usually including under general dentistry in Houston, TX.