In order to maintain good oral health a person should have their teeth examined and cleaned at least twice a year (every six months), use daily oral hygiene practices (floss once daily, brush twice daily) and eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Dr. Ricardo Castaneda is a doctor of dental medicine and has a solid understanding of how food encourages enamel strength and cellular growth and repair in the body. A persons oral health is connected to their overall health. Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth. When this bacteria enters the tooth or roots infection can occur. If this infection penetrates the body through the blood stream, the infection can lead to other areas of the body such as the heart. If this occurs, a person can experience a heart attack, stroke or heart disease.

Foods For Dental Health

A healthy diet can help to fight bacteria in the mouth, strengthen the tooth enamel and provide the vitamins and nutrients the body needs to repair itself and fight disease. There are a variety of foods that work towards dental health. Eat the foods mentioned here along with the above dental prevention measures and you can enjoy a beautiful healthy smile lifelong.

Calcium, Phosphorus And Magnesium

Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are needed to build strong tooth enamel and bones. Foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D include milk, yogurt and cheese. Phosphorus rich foods include meats such as chicken, fish and eggs. Bananas are a good source of magnesium and potassium.

Fight Cavities With Fruits And Vegetables

Crunchy fruits and vegetable require the mouth to create more saliva. This helps to break down the food and remove bacteria from the mouth. These crisp foods also brush up against the teeth creating a cleansing motion. Enjoy apples, pears, celery and other crunchy high water content foods for cleaner, healthier teeth. Foods in this group often contain Vitamin C such as strawberries, oranges, lemons and limes. These foods contain ascorbic acid that can eat at the enamel. After eating acid rich foods such as citrus fruit, tomatoes, etc. rinse at least three times in order to decrease the amount of acerbic acid in the mouth. Do so before brushing as brushing directly after eating acidic foods can exacerbate the damage.

Enjoy Garlic And Onions To Fight Bacteria

Many people refrain from enjoying onions and garlic, but these foods are actually good for your teeth. Onion and garlic both offer natural antibacterial properties that help fight the bacteria of the mouth. Many people attest to eating garlic and onion to treat toothache pain. Chewing raw garlic or onion releases Allicin in the Garlic and the Quercetin of the onion which target the bacteria and ease the pain associated with bacterial infections of the mouth/teeth. A healthy smile is easy to obtain and enjoy long term with a few trips to the dentist, regular home dental care and a nutritious diet.

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