The White Tooth Diet

It’s no surprise that the foods we eat can either help or harm our mouths and smiles. Who wouldn’t want to do all they could to improve the first thing people notice on others? Diets should be rich in anti-oxidants, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Calcium. Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mitchell Charnas, founder of Manhattan Dental Spa, put together a White Tooth Diet, highlighting the top foods to eat for an overall enhanced, healthier smile and sparkling, pearly whites.

Spices and plants:

·         Miswak, Parsley, Coriander, Spearmint, Mint (any plant in the mint family), Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Tarragon all help to fight bad breath and have the added benefit of aiding in better food digestion.

Yogurt and Kefir:

·         A serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of bacteria in the mouth which can cause bad breath, plaque and gum disease.

·         Be sure to get the kind of yogurt with active cultures—not overly processed or sugar-added varieties. Greek yogurt without sugar is a good choice.

Cheese:

·         Consuming hard cheeses (like cheddar which has the highest level of Alkali), particularly at the end of a meal, can help prevent tooth decay and repair tooth surfaces. Soft cheeses have less of an effect.

·         Research also shows that cheese may reduce enamel demineralization, neutralize acids formed in plaque and, through increased saliva flow, flush away sugars.

·         Cheese also helps to balance the pH levels in ad the mouth that are safe for teeth.

Raw Vegetables and Fruits:

·         Crunchy fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, pears, celery, green pepper, and cucumbers help protect teeth by stimulating the gums and boosting the production of saliva, which helps flush away sugars and food particles.

·         Fibrous, fresh fruits and vegetables help reduce the buildup of cavity-causing plaque and help neutralize saliva before it can erode dental enamel.

·         In addition, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli and cantaloupe contain beta carotene and Vitamin C, which are essential to healthy teeth and gums.

Foods High in Vitamin C:

·         Eating berries, citrus fruits, melons and other vitamin C-rich foods create an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth.

·         A diet rich in vitamin C is also important for preventing gum disease and gingivitis—both major causes of halitosis.

BONUS TIP:

Sugarless Gum with xylitol:

·         Sugarless gum with xylitol helps prevent cavities and promotes salivation, which helps to irrigate the mouth and gets rid of harmful bacteria and food particles.

·         It’s also great for people who suffer from dry mouth.