Good oral hygiene in Newcastle is essential if you want strong teeth and healthy gums, but it’s only part of the equation. The foods you eat can significantly impact oral health and need to contain the right vitamins. Additionally, the digestion process begins in the mouth, and the act of chewing helps your body extract maximum nutrition from foods. If you don’t eat enough nutrient-dense foods, it can increase the risk of developing dental problems like gum inflammation and potentially tooth loss.
Listed below are some of the essential vitamins and minerals you need for good oral health.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for strong and healthy teeth and bones. One of the best sources of calcium is dairy products like milk and sugar-free yogurt. Other good sources include canned sardines and salmon, but if you don’t like these foods, try consuming more calcium-rich vegetables. For example, veggies like broccoli, bok choy, collard greens and kale are rich in calcium or grab a handful of Brazil nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is also important for strong teeth in Clarington as it helps your body absorb calcium and helps rebuild and strengthen tooth enamel. Good sources of phosphorus include milk, eggs and fish, and meat and whole grains. Usually, most people get enough phosphorus without needing to take supplements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for oral health because it helps in saliva production. You need a good flow of saliva to help keep your mouth clean and healthy, washing away excess bacteria and loose food particles. Good sources of this vitamin include egg yolks and fish and orange-coloured vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for helping your body produce collagen, keeping the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong. These connective tissues help hold your teeth in place. If you are deficient in vitamin C, it can increase the risk of developing gum disease, where gums begin to bleed easily. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, kale and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your bones and teeth to remineralize, and if you are deficient in this vitamin, it can cause problems like gum disease and cavities. Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin, but it is also readily available as a supplement when the sun isn’t out. Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include oily fish like herring, salmon and mackerel. Some foods are also fortified with vitamin D, including milk and cereals.
Are Supplements Necessary?
If you generally eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, you probably consume most if not all the vitamins and minerals needed for your teeth and gums. However, if you are concerned, you might want to ask your dentist in Courtice or discuss this matter with your GP to see if they recommend supplements. While it’s important to get enough vitamins and minerals, it’s also crucial to ensure you don’t overdo them, as some supplements could be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Also, some supplements could interfere with prescription medications.
Equally as important as a good diet are regular visits to your dentist. We generally see our patients at West Bowmanville Family Dental every six months for checkups and professional dental cleanings. It’s a quick and easy routine that enables us to detect any changes to your oral health and provide appropriate treatment more quickly. So, if you have any gum inflammation signs or problems with your teeth, we can catch these problems early when treatment is less invasive and more cost-effective.
