A healthy diet is important for overall health and dental health. While most people know they need to avoid certain foods like sugar, they may not know about specific vitamins and minerals that can help them maintain strong teeth and gums. These vitamins are readily available in everyday foods. Usually, if you try to eat healthily, you are likely to get all the vitamins you need, but some people may struggle to achieve the recommended daily intake. When this is the case, it’s worth seeing your GP about taking supplements. It’s always best to get professional advice first because taking too many supplements could be harmful.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and helps your body maintain healthy blood vessels, fluids and muscles. Making sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods will help you grow and maintain healthy, strong teeth and bones. If you don’t get enough calcium, it can lead to osteoporosis that weakens your bones and may increase the risk of gum disease in Whitby. Good sources of calcium include dairy products like natural yogurt, cheese and milk, and leafy green vegetables. Some foods are also fortified with calcium.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps your body absorb calcium more readily and is also essential for strong teeth and healthy bones. Phosphorus is used for energy production and helps ensure your body can maintain good cell and tissue function. It’s rare for people to be deficient in this mineral as phosphorus is readily available in whole grain foods, dairy products, and meat.
Vitamin C
You need plenty of vitamin C for healthy gums and to maintain healthy oral tissues. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. If you are deficient in this vitamin, it can increase your risk of gum disease and may eventually lead to tooth loss in Oshawa. Vitamin C is readily available in fruits and vegetables, and citrus fruits and dark-coloured vegetables tend to contain the highest amounts.
Vitamin D
Also called the sunshine vitamin, you need vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium more readily. If you don’t have enough vitamin D, your body can only absorb about 10 to 15% of the calcium found in the foods eaten. A lack of vitamin D can lead to gum disease, osteoporosis and tooth decay. During the summer, your body can easily produce vitamin D when you spend at least half an hour in daylight. During the winter months, getting enough exposure to sunlight can be a problem which is why people often take a vitamin D supplement in Ajax. Certain foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as cereals, and you will also find this vitamin in foods like egg yolks, fatty fish and mushrooms.
Zinc
Your body needs zinc to maintain healthy gums, and if you don’t receive enough of this mineral, you may be more at risk of developing gum disease. Zinc helps your body repair tissues and protects your immune system and is involved in many important processes essential for good health. Good sources include meat, especially red meat, shellfish and legumes, and nuts and seeds.
B Complex Vitamins
Getting plenty of B complex vitamins helps protect your gum health, and some studies have found that people who don’t get enough of these vitamins tend to have higher rates of gum bleeding and are more likely to have severe gum disease. Foods rich in B complex vitamins include salmon, leafy green vegetables, eggs and organ meats, and milk.
In addition to following a healthy diet, be sure to see us regularly here at Margolian Dentistry for your dental checkups and hygiene appointments. We can help ensure you enjoy optimal oral health by working closely with you.
