Did you know your smile have nutritional needs too?

March is National Nutrition month. Dr. Christine Haag, a dentist with first choice Dental says, "It is important to understand the strong link between diet and dental health."  She explains: "in fact, oral tissues such as gums, teeth and even chewing muscles are living tissues, and they have the same nutritional needs as any other living tissue in the body."  She adds, "Diet not only affects the number and types of sockets, but can also be an important factor in the development of periodontal disease or gum disease."
In addition to brushing and flossing, eating nutritious food helps promote good dental health. Hague says, "some foods can help neutralize the acids in the mouth that can help fight bacteria that cause dental caries."  She explains, "cavities and gum disease is caused by bacteria that" mass "on teeth and gums, causing plaque. If the plate is brushed away, the bacteria in dental plaque eat away tooth enamel. "
10 foods to boost the health of your body and your smile!
1. Fruit and vegetables are high in vitamins A and C and is a good choice for a beautiful smile.
2. Apples to keep teeth healthy and white. Acid in apple helps to remove stains. Apples has been called nature's toothbrush because they stimulate the gums, increase saliva flow and reduce the build-up of cavity-causing bacteria.
3. Carrots increases the absorption of calcium by the body. They contain Vitamin A, which helps you absorb calcium and makes your teeth healthier.
4. Cheese is a perfect choice for healthy teeth and gums.

It contains calcium that preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel and helps produce saliva, which kills the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.
5. Celery requires extra chewing, which promotes the production of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria.
6. Green tea helps fight tooth decay and contains substances called Catechins that kill bacteria in teeth causing dental plaque.
7. Kiwi fruit contains vitamin C which helps keep your gums healthy. Vitamin C in this fruit helps in the production of collagen. Collagen is one of the main ingredients in the gums.
8. Oranges also contains vitamin C to promote gum health.
9. sesame seeds and other natural abrasive foods help throw off the plaque.  Sesame seeds are also high in calcium, which helps build the tooth enamel.
10. Water is among the best drinks you can opt for a healthy smile and body. Plain old water keeps the gums hydrated. And it is the best way to stimulate saliva, the body's main defense against the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Rinse your mouth with water also helps flush the food particles get stuck between your teeth.
Hague reminds us: "National Nutrition month is the perfect time to focus on good nutritional habits that will help your body and your smile."  She says, "good nutrition is just as important for a healthy teeth and gums for a healthy body. A diet that is low in sugar and processed foods and limit celebrations that sugared juices and soda is better for your teeth and gums, and help you avoid tooth decay and other oral health issues. "

For more information, visit www.firstchoicedental.com