Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for every aspect of your life and your body, including your teeth. While avoiding foods like caffeine and sugar can help improve your oral health, food is also needed for keeping your teeth healthy. Most of the time, the solution to many oral problems is eating specific essential vitamins and minerals.
Here are some essential Vitamins and Minerals to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
1. Calcium
Calcium is not only good for your bones, but it is essential for your teeth as well. It is also very important for the body’s blood vessels, fluids, and muscles. It is essential for the growth and maintenance of strong and healthy teeth. Calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis, which affects not only the bones but also the teeth.
Found in:
- Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese, tofu).
- Canned fish with bones (salmon and sardines).
- Leafy green vegetables.
2. Phosphorus
Phosphorus is essential for the absorption of calcium in the body. This helps to build strong bones and teeth. This is in fact, the main function of phosphorus. Phosphorus helps the body create protein for the growth and repair of tissues and cells.
Found in: meat, milk, and whole grains. Fish, eggs, and protein-rich foods
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to various oral health disorders, like cavities, gingival inflammation, and gum disease. This is because Vitamin D plays a crucial role in both bone and tooth mineralization. You can increase Vitamin D by spending few minutes in sunlight.
Found in: milk, egg yolks, fatty fish (mackerel, tuna, and salmon), cheese, and vitamin D fortified cereals for breakfast.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is good for your teeth and excellent for your gums too. It helps keep the connective tissues in your gums strong and healthy that hold your teeth in place. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.
Found in: Citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, sweet potatoes, kale, and peppers.
5. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is already known to be good for your both eyes and skin. But it is also great for your mouth, and particularly for your saliva production.
Saliva helps to break down food and also clean the bacteria from in between your teeth.
Found in: In orange-coloured fruits and vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes), fish, and egg yolks.
In addition to these vitamins and minerals consumption, practising a good oral health routine is extremely important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Regular brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups are all essential.
At our clinic, we can help you have your brightest and healthiest smile. Book a check-up today.