Do you want healthy teeth and gums? An easy way to do that is to make sure your diet contains several key vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. These nutrients are essential for the health of your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth.
Oral hygiene depends on your daily brushing and flossing routine, but also heavily depends on your diet. Take a look at the following nutrients crucial to building strong teeth and maintaining a healthy mouth, according to Parkcrest Dental.
Calcium
Calcium is a tooth’s best friend. This mineral helps build bone and provides structural support throughout the body. In the mouth, calcium helps harden tooth enamel and strengthen the jaw.
What to eat: In addition to milk, good sources of calcium include cheese, yogurt, broccoli and salmon.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium while increasing bone mineral density, so getting enough vitamin D is essential to make the most of calcium intake.
What to eat: Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun (15 minutes a day). Vitamin D can also be found in fatty fish, canned tuna, and portobello mushrooms. You can also look for foods and beverages fortified with added vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, and cereals.
Potassium
Similar to vitamin D, potassium can increase bone mineral density. It is also used alongside magnesium to prevent the blood from becoming too acidic, leading to loss of calcium in bones and teeth.
What to eat: Bananas are well-known sources of potassium, but they are not alone. Other fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium include lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados, and plums.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus supports calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
What to eat: Fortunately, phosphorus is found in many foods. Rich sources of this mineral include shellfish and fish like scallops, sardines, cod, shrimp, tuna and salmon. If you want to get phosphorus from plants, consider soybeans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds. You can also find phosphorus in beef, pork, and cheese.
Vitamin K
Think of this vitamin as a shield that helps prevent the breakdown of bones. It can also help your body make osteocalcin, a protein that supports bone strength. Vitamin K also helps your blood clot properly. A lack of vitamin K slows the body’s healing process and increases the possibility of bleeding.
What to eat: Eating green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, can help you increase your vitamin K quota. Other excellent sources include parsley, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. It can prevent gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease) and can prevent tooth loosening by reducing inflammation.
What to eat: You may already know that citrus fruits, like oranges, are rich in vitamin C, but you can also find it in potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin A
This vitamin helps maintain healthy mucous membranes. It can prevent dry mouth and help the oral cavity heal quickly.
What to eat: For strong gums and teeth, eat more fish, egg yolks and liver. You can also find vitamin A in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Consider eating orange-colored foods like apricots, cantaloupe, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These fruits and vegetables contain high levels of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.
Healthy Teeth at Parkcrest Dental Group
Among a healthy, balanced diet, daily oral hygiene routines, and regular cleanings from Parkcrest Dental in Springfield, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy mouth and gleaming teeth.
