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Three Foods That Can Have You Smiling During Your Next Dental Checkup

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Visiting your dentist for a tooth cleaning and general checkup every six months is an important way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. In between visits, brushing, flossing and using mouthwash are ideal ways to maintain a healthy smile, but your diet can also play a role in promoting your oral health. While some foods can stain and otherwise damage your teeth, others can actually promote better oral health. It's ideal to include these foods in your diet as much as possible. By doing so, you're more likely to hear good news during your next dental checkup.

Mackerel

If you enjoy the taste of fish, visit the fish department of your local supermarket and buy a couple fillets of Atlantic mackerel. This strong-tasting fish contains high levels of vitamin D. This vitamin can benefit your overall health in several ways, but is advantageous to your oral health because of its ability to help you absorb calcium from various dietary sources. Calcium, of course, is widely recognized for its ability to improve the overall health of your teeth and even your gums. To enjoy a calcium-rich food with your mackerel, consider adding some green leafy vegetables such as kale or enjoying a bowl of unsweetened yogurt for dessert after your meal.

Carrots

Although many people include carrots in their diets for this sweet, crunchy vegetable's ability to improve eyesight, carrots can also provide a boost to your oral health. Because of their hard texture, carrots can actually clean your teeth and gums as you chew; the longer you keep this veggie in your mouth, the more benefits it will provide. Because carrots require a significant amount of chewing before you can swallow them, they stimulate your mouth's production of saliva. This saliva is beneficial because it helps to wash away the acidic bacteria inside your mouth that can contribute to tooth decay and cavities.

Cranberries

You don't have to wait for Thanksgiving or Christmas to enjoy the oral health benefits of cranberries. This dark red fruit provides a layer on your teeth that can inhibit bacteria from coating the enamel. When bacteria are able to form on your teeth, you're more likely to develop cavities due to the release of acid. By including cranberries in your diet, you'll be limiting your risk of damage to your teeth. When you're enjoying this fruit, opt for the unsweetened variety to avoid excess sugar from coating your teeth.


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