Choose Foods that Protect Your Smile

People do many things to take care of their teeth and gums. Regular brushing, frequent flossing, and dental checkups help keep your smile at its best. Sometimes, we forget that the foods and beverages we consume also impact our dental health. The following choices recommended by dentists can help by getting rid of plaque, strengthening enamel, and freshening breath.CeleryBiting down on abrasive foods like celery stimulates gums and removes debris from your teeth. The extra chewing required to eat celery also keeps saliva flowing in your mouth, which neutralizes acids and washes away bacteria.CheeseLow in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphates, cheese has several benefits, including balancing the pH in your mouth, strengthening enamel, and encouraging saliva production. This is Dr. Tajik's personal favorite snack item in between meals. Green teaThe catechins in green tea wipe out the bacteria in your mouth that convert sugar to plaque as well as eliminate the sources of bad breath.Kiwi fruitYou need Vitamin C for your overall wellness and dental health. Most people don’t realize that a large kiwi contains over 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C.OnionsThe powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds in onions will kill many of the bacteria that wreak havoc in your mouth.ParsleyTo maintain sweet-smelling breath, chew on some sprigs of parsley after a meal.Sesame seedsBy studying fossils, anthropologists have determined that our ancestors had strong teeth, possibly because they often consumed foods such as seeds, which remove plaque and build up tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are a good choice since they contain calcium, a mineral that preserves your teeth.Visit our website to learn more about North Hollywood Dentist Dr. Tajik at www.modernsmiles.com.