You already know how important vitamins and minerals are to keep your body working properly and boost your immune system, but did you know that certain vitamins and minerals also have a positive effect on your oral health? Those powerful little nutrients found in food and in the packaged vitamins you take can also strengthen your teeth and help you build a smile to be proud of.
The process of chewing itself is important for extracting maximum goodness from the food you eat, and a lack of vitamins and minerals has been related to tooth loss and gum inflammation. A healthy diet should complement good oral hygiene, so be sure to brush twice a day and to book an appointment at King Street Dental every 6 months.
Calcium
We’re told about the importance of calcium for strong, healthy bones and teeth from a young age. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body, with 99% found in our bones and teeth. You can get a good dose of calcium from milk, cheese, soy-based products and green veggies. Along with strengthening tooth enamel, it keeps the jawbones strong and healthy.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous protects and rebuilds tooth enamel, and is important for helping the body absorb calcium. It’s mostly found in meat, milk, whole grains, fish, lentils, eggs and other high-protein foods.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to a number of oral health disorders such as cavities, inflammation and gum disease. The vitamin keeps your teeth healthy by playing a key role in bone and tooth mineralisation, by helping the body to absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bones. You can get a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun (just remember to use sunscreen), as well as in oily fish, milk, breakfast cereals, soy and dairy products.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for healthy teeth and gums, caring for the connective tissues that keep everything in place. Deficiencies in Vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums, gum disease and tooth erosion. Most people get plenty of Vitamin C in their diet, as it’s found in citrus fruits, vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and white and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a good one for your eyes and skin, as well as your oral health. It helps your body take in calcium and protein, and helps to stimulate saliva production which keeps bacteria at bay and promotes faster healing. You’ll find it mostly in orange-coloured foods (carrots, oranges, pumpkin, etc.), fish, egg yolks and green vegetables.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that works in a similar way to Vitamin D, in that it helps to boost bone density and keeps them strong. You can get your potassium fix in bananas, tomatoes, lima beans and avocados.
Visit us to promote better oral health
Keep your oral health at its best with regular visits to King Street Dental in Templestowe. We can provide a general check-up and clean, and advice tailored to your smile. Give us a call on (03) 8842 4506 or email [email protected] to get booked in.