Good nutrition helps to keep your oral health on track in the long term.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, there is simply no substitute for proper oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing your teeth every day and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans, it is possible to keep a range of issues at bay and enjoy overall wellness. But did you know that the nutrients you consume can also have a considerable effect on the condition of your teeth and gums? In fact, there are vitamins and minerals that can improve your overall health — read on to find out which nutrients you should be including in your diet and where to find them…
1. Calcium
Calcium is a naturally-occurring mineral that is found in abundance in the body. It plays a very important role in maintaining the structure and strength of the teeth and bones. Fortunately, there are plenty of sources of calcium available. Dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, and milk all contain high levels of the mineral, while canned fish like salmon and sardine are also excellent sources. Certain vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli also contain calcium, while nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts will also keep your smile strong.
2. Vitamin D
Research suggests that vitamin D helps to maintain healthy teeth. In fact, some studies show that a vitamin D deficiency can actually lead to a number of health issues, including gum inflammation, tooth decay, and gum disease because the vitamin has such an important effect on the process of tooth and bone mineralisation. To get your vitamin D fix, you can include oily fish like salmon and herring in your diet or choose breakfast cereals and milk that are fortified with the nutrient.
3. Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a vitamin that helps the body to absorb calcium. It also plays a role in protecting the enamel of the teeth, as well as rebuilding damaged enamel. When it comes to incorporating phosphorus into your diet, you can find high levels of this vitamin in meat, fish, eggs, milk, and whole grains. Fortunately, it is generally quite easy to get the recommended amount of phosphorus by simply eating a balanced diet.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an excellent nutrient when it comes to maintaining the condition of the teeth and gums. It plays an important role in keeping the connective tissues in the gums healthy, which in turn helps to keep the teeth securely in place. By consuming plenty of vitamin C, it is possible to prevent issues like gum disease and even tooth loss. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to get plenty of vitamin C in a balanced diet — it can be found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit, as well as in most berries, sweet potatoes and broccoli.
5. Vitamin A
Another essential nutrient, vitamin A has many benefits for one’s overall oral health. It promotes the production of saliva, which is an important function when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth. Saliva helps to keep the mouth clean by rinsing away bacteria and other debris — this minimises the effects of plaque and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Most orange fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamin A — think carrots, sweet potatoes, and peppers. You can also get your fix by eating egg yolks and fish.
How can we help?
At Dental Pearls, we love to help our patients maintain healthy smiles for life. We encourage our patients to eat balanced, nutrient-rich diets and practise proper oral hygiene every day. We also urge our patients to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans so that we can resolve any issues at an early stage, and address any questions or concerns.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or give us a call at (07) 3210 2144.
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