Food is not only a factor that largely determines our state of health and well-being. In addition, it is an essential element for life and is closely linked to physical beauty. Specifically, to the aesthetics of the smile.
Each of the foods we consume has a certain effect on our body that is reflected in multiple ways. For example, eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, and K, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, have significant benefits for the health of your teeth and gums.
Therefore, if we want to enjoy the best health and, in turn, have a beautiful smile, there are a series of recommendations that we must take into account for this purpose. In this sense, we must incorporate into our daily diet a set of very useful foods that will help us improve the smile.
Foods that contribute to a beautiful smile
Next, we will review the 5 foods highly recommended by doctors, which benefit our oral health. Various types of products that we can easily find in the market and that do not require a large investment to purchase.
Foods: Cheese and milk
Cheese and milk are dairy foods rich in calcium and magnesium, substances that our body needs to grow and develop satisfactorily. In turn, the consumption of cheese and milk contributes to the absorption of calcium, along with other substances such as vitamin D and K.
On several occasions, dental health specialists have highlighted the great effectiveness of cheese as an ideal food to prevent cavities. According to a study published in the Journal of General Dentistry, a group of researchers showed that the consumption of cheddar cheese promotes an increase in pH in the mouth.
A condition conducive to the formation of a protective barrier that manages to counteract the effects of bacteria that generate tooth decay. In this way, we can avoid one of the main problems that affect the integrity of our teeth and improve the smile.
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the dairy products that, along with milk and cheese, benefit the health of the teeth. However, the characteristics of yogurt are a little different and particular with respect to the previous foods mentioned.
In this case, multiple studies have proven the prebiotic properties of yogurt. A highly relevant factor that enhances the effectiveness of this dairy in its fight against bacteria and the protection of teeth against cavities.
Thanks to its prebiotic properties, yogurt offers us beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus, which are nothing other than microorganisms that are responsible for reducing the levels of “bad bacteria” in saliva. In addition to this, these “good” bacteria in yogurt favor the digestion of food, thus contributing to our general health.
Salmon
Salmon is an excellent fatty fish that is characterized by its high levels of vitamin D and is also rich in calcium. Various investigations have shown the great capacity of fatty fish as an effective treatment for oral diseases such as periodontitis.
According to a study published in 2010 by the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, foods like salmon are fish rich in unsaturated fat (Omega 3). Substances that have been known for their effective results in combating and reducing the effects of periodontitis, the final stage of gum disease.
We must remember that periodontitis is a serious oral disease that causes inflammation in the gums to the point that a severe bacterial infection is generated. If not treated in time, the disease leads to the wear of the oral bones and the loss of teeth. Therefore, consuming salmon is one of the best strategies to reduce inflammation of the gums and guarantee a better smile.
Apples
Apples are another of the foods that offer multiple benefits to our teeth, although compared to other foods, their consumption must be controlled.
The beneficial and positive part is that both the fiber and the skin of the apple manage to carve the surface of the tongue and teeth. An effect that contributes to considerably improve bad breath problems. In addition to this, it is a fruit that is characterized by its low level of acidity that prevents the formation of bacteria that cause cavities.
However, it should be noted that its low level of acidity can also affect tooth enamel by weakening it. Therefore, its consumption should be moderate, since depending on the way of consuming it, it is a food that can be harmful to oral health. Experts recommend quickly consuming the apple and, at the end, drinking a glass of water.
Carrots
Carrots, like other vegetables such as radishes and celery, have properties that are very similar to apples. They are foods that manage to carve the teeth and the tongue, only being raw, and are rich in vitamins A and C.
Likewise, by eating carrot we improve oral blood flow, strengthening the gums and teeth; we improve the production of saliva favoring the digestive system; and we maintain healthy tooth enamel avoiding the appearance of cavities.
It should be noted that we can consume it boiled, steamed or cooked, although incorporating raw carrot into our diet helps to achieve all of the above, in a more noticeable way.
We must also emphasize that it should be consumed without sweet accompaniments, since it loses its carving capacity. We must never forget that sugar is the main responsible for the proliferation of bacteria in the teeth and the development of cavities.
These are some of the foods that we can consume to improve our eating habits, avoid cardiovascular diseases and even improve our dental health and enjoy the best smile. In addition, all of them can be easily found in the market at totally accessible prices.