Which Healthy Foods Promote Healthy Smiles?

Did you know it is possible to eat your way to a healthy smile? Oral health is not just about brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. In many cases, what you put into your mouth has as much of an impact, as the routine care of your teeth.

Your body needs the right combination of nourishment from your daily meals and refreshments. The right food and beverages can help you avoid dental problems, and build an effective immune system. Your oral health depends on it, so does the rest of your body.

You Have Heard the Bad News

Many people know eating foods high in sugar, like candy and sodas, creates an environment in your mouth that makes it prone to more tooth decay and gum disease. Most dentists have noticed an increase in the number of cavities in children and young adults today, compared to previous generations.

Dental experts link the increase of cavities to the poor quality of food that is regularly consumed. The worst culprits are often both the fructose and other processed sugars found in sweetened drinks, and the snacks and sodas, often also devoid of nutrition.

It is one of the biggest problems, according to the American Dental Association, stating "When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay."

It's Not All About the Bad

The nutritious foods can actually aid your body in restoring health to your gums and teeth. Passionate, Persuasive and Powerful Prevention, a health website, offers some great tips about how food affects not only your nutrition, but also your oral health.

    Avoid carbohydrates for snacks, and instead eat them during meals. Larger meals produce more saliva, and help to wash away the sticky sugar substance that carbohydrate-rich food contains.

    Replace sugary drinks with black or green tea. These teas are rich in the antioxidants that help prevent plaque buildup and reduce your chances of developing gum disease.

    Start the habit of taking at least 800 mg. of calcium each day, and you will be less likely to develop severe gum disease. Eating more calcium will build stronger teeth, since ninety-nine percent of the body's calcium is in the bones and teeth.

Healthy, nutritious foods give your body the support it needs to fight bacteria, and they can be more satisfying. This will help you to maintain overall bodily health. Just eating an antioxidant-rich diet, packed with vegetables, oils, protein and fruits, can improve your oral health. Try it.

Healthy Foods for Pregnant Women To Eat

When you become pregnant, you have to change the way you eat. Not only must you keep your baby healthy during pregnancy, but you need to keep yourself healthy, as well. While the idea that you need to eat more while pregnant is true to an extent, that does not mean you should substantially increase your daily caloric intake. Typically, pregnant women only need to consume 300 more calories a day than what they consumed before becoming pregnant. However, the type of food you eat during pregnancy is important because it provides you and your growing baby with the proper nutrients.

Vegetables and Fruits

Many of the essential nutrients that are needed during pregnancy can be found in fruits and vegetables. Vegetables such as spinach and broccoli contain iron that is vital to you and your babies' health. Other vegetables such as peas and lentils contain folic acid, which is also vital to you and your babies' health during pregnancy. Fruits such as strawberries and oranges also contain essential nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and an assortment of healthy vitamins.

Dairy

Certain dairy products are good for you and the baby. Pasturised milk, small quantities of cheeses such as cheddar cheese, and yogurt can all help provide you and the baby with calcium. However, dairy should be consumed in small quantities, and certain dairy products such as raw eggs and certain cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy.

Meat

Certain meats contain essential nutrients such as protein that are vital to your health. However, undercooked meats, and raw fish or seafood should be avoided during pregnancy. Eating red meat in moderation can be good for you and the baby during pregnancy. Red meat is rich in iron, as well as protein, which are both needed during pregnancy. When you choose to eat meat, ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Desserts During Pregnancy,It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Most desserts are fine to eat during pregnancy. However, all desserts should be eaten in moderation.

While many people believe that pregnant women are limited in what they can eat, there are many foods for pregnant women available. The key to a healthy pregnancy is eating the right foods for you and the baby. Following a healthy diet during your pregnancy can help ensure that you remain healthy and that your baby grows properly.

Typically, it is ideal for pregnant women to eat a variety of foods every day. By eating a variety of foods, it is easier to get the amount of calories and nutrients needed for both the mother and the baby.