The best prevention for healthy teeth and gums is brushing and flossing daily as well as routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Several vitamins that help in keeping our mouths healthy are vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium however having a balanced diet that provides nutrition also helps promote a healthy smile.

Over snacking on foods throughout the day can expose our teeth to foods that damage the enamel, so limit snacking. Try to avoid sugary drinks especially carbonated drinks that produce acid because when we sip on these liquids over time it raises the acid levels in the mouth causing erosion to the enamel. Stay away from candy and snacks that have a lot of sugar. Starchy foods like breads, pasta, potatoes, and even rice can increase the acid levels in the mouth. Sweetened coffee, tea, and red wine can also weaken the enamel because they are usually sipped on slowly causing acid levels to remain high for a longer period of time.

Here are some healthy food eating tips in keeping your mouth healthy

• Chewing sugar free gum helps promote saliva which helps cleanse our mouths and neutralizes the acid in the mouth.
• Eating milk and cheese protect our enamel. They promote saliva productions neutralizing the acid and they contain protein, phosphorous, and calcium with buffer acids preventing erosion.
• Drink lots of water
• Drink sugar free liquids
• Fish and Flaxseed contain anti-inflammatory agents that help fight against gum disease.