Have you ever been captivated by the way someone smiled, so much so that the mental image kept playing in your mind, long after they’d gone? Everyone gets that same gooey feeling when they’d been charmed by a warm smile, complete with perfect and pearly white set of teeth. Here’s a secret: You too can own a smile that not only melts hearts, but can open doors in ways you never knew.
You should always aim at having a winning smile. People always notice it and most will instantly warm up to you afterwards. That is, except if you are Ebenezer Scrooge and don’t smile at all. But an attractive smile is the key to opening doors- both metaphorically and literally.
According to a survey, 48% of people admitted that a smile is the most memorable thing about a person they meet for the first time. Indeed, it is the best way to make a good first impression.
The same report revealed that a smile is even more powerful than spoken word which only 25% of respondents agreed was memorable. Now we know how Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid won over her prince charming.
“Some people go for a cosmetic option to improve their smile, and it is effective. But there are natural ways to maintain them. The following foods are great for your teeth.” adds Design Specific, so if you are not feeling particularly chatty on a date, you can plan to smile your way through afterwards.
Crunchy and chewy foods
Saliva is a natural service provider for healthy teeth. It neutralizes acids formed by bacteria that cause cavity. Crunchy and chewy foods such as celery, carrots and nuts cause saliva to flow and nourish the oral cavity.
Eating sticky, sugary foods, on the other hand, foster the growth of bacteria and cause the formation of plaque; a bacterial buildup that leads to cavities. The next time you go fruit shopping, stock that cart with lots of crunchy options.
Milk and cheese
No surprises here. Remember that Got Milk? ad where Mr. Miller who never drank milk lost both his arms? The same goes for the teeth. As part of your bone structure, the teeth benefit greatly from calcium and other essential minerals in milk and cheese. Casein is also a component of milk that reduces the formation of cavity.
However, Dr. Cecilia Luong of Tiger Smile Family Dentistry, advises that you should brush your teeth before you sleep at night, especially after a cheesy dinner. Rancid cheese particles that form overnight can be bad for the teeth.
Garlic bread, Apple pie, Grapes and Shitake mushrooms
Many foods directly combat cavity-causing bacteria, as well as bad breath and periodontitis (gum disease). Foods like garlic, apples shitake mushrooms and grapes contain several compounds that repel bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
Although some people prefer to chew it directly, garlic in bread is equally as effective. This is especially if you are concerned about the odour. Don’t worry, as long as you are not eating it prior to a date, it is just fine.
Raisins
Raisins may be sweet and sticky, but they don’t fall under the category that are bad for your teeth. Remember, we mentioned grapes as a bacterial-preventing fruit? Well, raisins are simply grapes that have been cut and dried.
According to Dr. Christine Wu, professor and associate dean for research at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, the phytochemicals in raisins have been shown to suppress the formation of oral bacteria responsible for gum disease and caries. The results were discovered after a research was carried out at the college labs.
Green tea
We all love our tea; how can we not? With it soothing, relaxing effect, especially after a long work day. But the benefits of green tea go beyond calmative. It contains antioxidants known as catechins that dampens the body’s inflammatory response to microbes that cause periodontitis.
A study revealed that drinking a cup of green tea daily, greatly reduced the risk of developing gum disease among Japanese men. As a bonus, the polyphenols in black tea are known to diminish bacterial growth and prevent bad breath.
Water- cool, and fresh
Water has many benefits. Among its super hydrating qualities, it keeps the mouth from feeling dry. Have you noticed how unpleasant it feels when you have a dry mouth? It can cause bad breath too. So, if you are unable to produce saliva, start with a gulp of fresh water.
Here’s a tip; if you are not sure about your breath, start the date with some water. It not only refreshes you, it makes communication a lot easier.
Mint leaves, and other mint foods
“One of the well-known benefits of mint is improving oral health. The leaves are packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to rid the mouth of harmful bacterial and avert tooth decay. This is obvious as mint is present in our toothpaste, peppermint, and its menthol compound it greatly lauded.” states Dr. Jones, Nashville restorative dentistry.
But did you know mint can be taken as food and drink? Yes, your mojito cocktail, spinach cantaloupe salad and tomato cucumber salad with mint are just a few. Visit here for some amazing mint food recipes.
Keep that smile attractive with some (or all) of these tips. You will surely thank us later.
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