From the foods we can and can’t eat to brushing, flossing, and water-picking, brace wearers are more conscious than most about maintaining a healthy mouth. Professionals are turning to adult braces in record numbers, but can fresh breath and healthy smiles coexist?

Orange County 6 Month Braces believes that they can.

Here’s the good news.

Chewing sugarless gum is, in fact, good for your teeth.

Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva output, helping to neutralize mouth acids. A few slices of sugar-free gum a day will satisfy the urge for sweet snacks and also interfere with plaque’s ability to adhere to teeth. The act of chewing displaces food that’s stuck in your teeth and around the gums. OC 6 Month Braces actually encourages clients and patients to maintain their bright new smile by chewing gum because it can help clean your teeth by removing some plaque and debris as you chew.

For a healthy snack, we should look for natural foods that are high in fiber (i.e. apples or oranges). These snacks should satisfy your sweet tooth and the added fiber content will keep you full, longer.

How about xylitol? We’ve all seen Gums that contain the sugar substitute xylitol even reduce cavities. Chewing gum can be a problem, however, if you have jaw pain or other issues with your jaw. The best choice is to chew sugarless gum with a high amount of Xylitol, a natural sweetener which plaque bacteria largely cannot metabolize.

Gum disease is a great reason to make an effort to consume more calcium in your diet. Calcium’s role in building density in the alveolar bone that supports the teeth. Unfortunately most American’s do not meet their daily requirement.

Also if you have problems with gums increase vitamin C consumption. Vitamin C is crucial to the healing process, strengthening blood vessels, and promotes strong teeth and bones.

Here are a few solid sources of Vitamin C that can boost immunity and protect cells from damaging free radicals.

• green peppers
• broccoli
• dark green leafy vegetables
• tomatoes, which actually contain lycopenes (an antioxidant more potent than vitamin C)

Remember healthy dieting is not just an OC fad and neither is Orange County 6 Month Braces. Why not have a perfect smile to go with your OC beach body. Who knows it might just become your new best feature.