Certain vitamins and minerals play an essential role in maintaining one’s oral health.
We all know that proper oral hygiene — including brushing, flossing and regular dental visits — helps to maintain healthy and strong teeth. But did you know that the nutrients that you get from the foods that you eat also have an important effect on the condition of your smile. Read on to find out which vitamins are good for your teeth and what you can eat to make sure that you get all the nutrients that you need.
1. Calcium keeps teeth strong
Calcium is an important mineral when it comes to maintaining the strength of your teeth and bones. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to consume calcium in easy-to-absorb forms — some good options include dairy products like milk and yoghurt. If you are looking for sources besides dairy products, you might consider calcium-rich salmon and sardines, as well as vegetables like broccoli and kale. Nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts are also packed with calcium.
2. Phosphorus protects enamel
Another vitamin that is essential in maintaining the health of your teeth is phosphorus. The vitamin assists in the effective absorption of calcium in the body. It also helps to strengthen the teeth and protects and rebuilds the enamel of the teeth. To make sure that you are getting enough phosphorous in your diet, try and incorporate plenty of protein-rich foods like meat and milk. Fish and eggs are excellent sources of the vitamin, as are whole grains.
3. Vitamin C promotes gum health
Vitamin C is good for your overall health and can go a long way in keeping the gums healthy because it strengthens the connective tissues. By getting enough vitamin C, it is possible to maintain strong gums, which will keep your teeth in their proper positions in the long-term. Vitamin C deficiencies, on the other hand, can lead to a number of issues, including gum disease. Some good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and berries.
4. Vitamin A boosts saliva production
Vitamin A helps to keep the eyes and skin healthy and is also particularly good for the overall condition of the mouth because it boosts saliva production. Saliva plays an important part in keeping the mouth healthy — it helps to break down food particles and washes away harmful bacteria that may be stuck between the teeth. To incorporate plenty of vitamin A into your diet, try to eat fruits, vegetables and other foods that are orange in colour — think carrots; peppers; egg yolks; and sweet potatoes.
5. Vitamin D mineralises the teeth
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to your oral health. In fact, studies suggest that vitamin D deficiencies can cause a number of oral health problems, including gum disease, cavities, and inflammation. The vitamin also plays an important part in the mineralisation of the teeth and bones. Vitamin D can be found naturally in oily fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel, as well as in milk and cereals that have been especially fortified.
How can we help?
At Lara Smile Group, we love to help our patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles. For this reason, we are available to provide you with all the information and advice you need to keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition. When you come in and see us, we encourage you to raise any questions that you have regarding your oral hygiene, lifestyle habits and dietary choices.
Our team offers a range of dentistry services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic treatments. If you have a specific oral health concern, or it’s simply time you came in for a routine check-up and clean, we can help.
To find out more about the range of services that we offer at Lara Smile Group, please have a look here. To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on 03 5282 1681.