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Food and Drinks that Can Help Your Smile

Most people know that brushing and flossing are important for a healthy mouth but did you know that certain foods and drinks can help with oral health too? Here are a few:

Green Tea
Not only has green tea been used medicinally for years but it has a higher number of antioxidants than black tea which actually helps to kill cancer-causing free radicals.  Those same free radicals may cause periodontal inflammation.  Green tea has also been known to reduce dental plaque and interfere with the production of hydrogen sulfide, which causes bad breath.

Dairy Products
All types of calcium products can help protect your smile. They are all low in acidity which protects teeth from decay and promotes a healthy oral pH.  Dairy products are also high in calcium and phosphate which helps fortify teeth as well as bones.

Fruits and Vegetables
We were all told to eat our fruits and vegetables growing up but little did we know, there are more reasons to eating them than originally thought. The physical action of eating raw fruit massages the gums and keeps plaque from forming on teeth.  Fruit also contains a lot of vitamin C which is good for overall health and gum health. Additionally, eating raw vegetables helps to keep teeth clean and strong while supporting overall health.

Water
While it is not always considered when thinking about food or drinks that are good for your teeth, water is one of the best.  Water keeps you hydrated but also washes away food particles that may be stuck between the teeth and aids the natural neutralizing effect of saliva.


Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2012/03/foods-and-drinks-that-can-help-your-smile/#more-777


R. Eric Emery, DDS 
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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