Authors: Lisa Drayer
The Beauty Diet (32 page)
Tea, iced tea drinks
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Smoking and Oral Health |
There are a thousand reasons to stop smoking, and here is another one: smoking puts you at greater risk of gum disease by interfering with blood flow to the gums. Smoking also is a leading cause of tooth loss, because it disrupts the normal function of gum tissue and the way bone and soft tissue attach to your teeth. |
Smoking is associated with brown, stained teeth; bad breath; inflammation of the salivary glands; increased buildup of plaque; increased bone loss from the jaw; delayed healing of oral surgery; and an increased risk of developing cancer. |
BEYOND THE BEAUTY DIETRed wine
Colored juices, such as grape juice and cranberry juice
Curry
Cola drinks
Dark sauces such as soy sauce
Balsamic vinegar
And, of course, let's not forget the worst culprit of all: smoking, which turns teeth brown.
"Dry mouth" sounds a little silly until it happens to you. Considered one of the leading causes of dental disease, dry mouth occurs when you don't have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, to neutralize acids in your mouth, and to rinse away food particles from between your teeth. Dry mouth is no joke, because it is a leading cause of tooth decay.
Certain medications can cause dry mouth, as can alcohol. Hormonal changes can influence saliva production as well. To keep the inside of your mouth wet, chew sugarless gum and drink more water (as well as green tea—see number 8). A
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What to Eat (and Drink) for a Sensational Smile |
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THE BEAUTY DIET RX