Can Certain Foods Improve Your Smile?

By Lauren S Johnson

Many of us brush our teeth three times a day and floss regularly, but how many of us eat with oral health in mind? The answer is "not many." The truth is that there are certain additional measures we can take in order to improve our smiles. One way to help your teeth become stronger is by incorporating certain foods and supplements into your daily diet.

One surprising smile healthy product is tea. Both black and green tea contains polyphenols which are antioxidant plant compounds that prevent plaque from adhering to your teeth. These compounds also help reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. Many teas also contain fluoride which aids in protecting your tooth enamel from decay. Some supplements to keep in mind when you want to improve your smile include vitamin C and calcium. Vitamin C is the glue that holds all of your cells together. This particular vitamin is important when it comes down to the health of gum tissue. One study confirmed that people who consumed less than 60 mg of Vitamin C per day were 25 percent more likely to develop gum disease than those individuals who consumed 180 mg of vitamin C per day. Consuming this particular supplement is easy to do. You can either take the product in tablet form or eat foods that are enriched with it.

Calcium on the other hand can help you diminish your chances of developing severe gum disease. The recommended dosage for this supplement is approximately 800 mg per day. The reason why this compound is so vital is because it is extremely essential for your bones and teeth. About 99 percent of calcium is in fact in your bones and teeth therefore it is vital to incorporate calcium into your diet. Some ways to attain more of this compound is either through supplements or certain foods, such as: cheese, milk, and yogurt. So the next time you are thinking about improving your smile, try applying some of these tips into your daily routine.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.

Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies, diet pills, and hoodia gordonii.