Dr. Joseph is a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and this year the Academy has published a list of healthy foods that are considered to be "super smile foods."
Here are a list of ingredients to help keep your smile in top shape:
Basil: a natural antibiotic, reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Broccoli: forms an acid-resistant lm on teeth that can help prevent enamel erosion.
Carrots: full of Vitamin A which is absolutely necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. This and all crunchy vegetables also cleanse and stimulate your gums, making them healthy.
Cheese: offers the bene t of lactic acid to help prevent tooth decay.
Celery: activates saliva production which assists in cleansing food particles from the teeth and dilutes sugars or acids in the mouth. Chewing celery also massages the gums.
Ginger: an anti-in ammatory to support healthy mouth tissue.
Green tea: contains an antioxidant called catechin which reduces bacteria growth that causes gingivitis.
Kale or chard: high in minerals that support tooth structure.
Kiwi: pack more Vitamin C than any other fruit. A lack of Vitamin C can break down the collagen network in your gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease.
Lemon: a natural “whitener” and assists with pH balance in the body.
Onions: contain sulphur compounds and reduces certain bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Pineapple: helps you produce extra saliva. Combine that with citric acid and you have an all-natural bacteria ghting mouthwash. Also contains Vitamin C and the enzyme Bromelain promoting a healing alkaline response in the mouth.
Quinoa: pronounced “KEEN-wah” is a super grain with a load of minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.
Salmon: a great source of Vitamin D making it easier for teeth to get the full power of calcium from foods you are eating.
Sea salt: offers a blend of minerals needed to mineralize and strengthen teeth. Himalayan or Celtic is suggested.
Sesame seeds: these “little scrubbers” reduce plaque, and due to their calcium content provide a necessary mineral for teeth. Nuts in general have a high pH, thus are protective for teeth by managing pH balance in the mouth.
Shiitaki mushrooms: contain a sugar called Lentinan which prevents mouth bacteria from growing.
Stevia: a natural sweetener that does not have an “acid effect” on your teeth like sugar.
Strawberries: great “scrubbers,” high in ber and lots of Vitamin C, which is great for gum health.
Wasabi: a Japanese version of horseradish, which contains compounds called isothiocyanates to arrest bacteria growth.
Xylitol: a sugar substitute that studies show prevents tooth decay. It is very bene cial in gum and mint form.
Have Questions? Contact us to schedule a smile consultation to learn more about healthy habits and to schedule your an oral health examination.
We encourage you to check out Recipes For a Healthier Smile today.
*This is not an all-inclusive list of every food that’s great for your oral heath, but a listing of all the key “super-smile” ingredients includtonyed in the AACD recipe booklet.
Learn more about American Academy of Dentistry here: http://www.aacd.com/