Caring for your oral health may not always be your top priority with so many worries in your hectic modern life. Because of this and a combination of other factors such as age and eating habits, your oral health could be suffering. It is always important to correctly brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly. You must also make sure your diet contains adequate amounts of the correct vitamins and minerals so that you can maintain healthy teeth in a less time-consuming way. What are the best vitamins and minerals for keeping your smile at its best?
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is the mineral that helps strengthen the bones throughout your body, including teeth. A deficiency in calcium can weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. According to a team of Buffalo researchers, under-consumption of calcium can also lead to severe gum disease because of its effects on your jaw bone and subsequently the alignment of your teeth. Foods containing calcium include dairy products, some fruits and vegetables like apricots, figs, kale and okra, and some protein-rich foods like eggs, tofu, and sardines.
Vitamin D is important because it allows your body to successfully absorb calcium. If you are suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, you may have sleeping problems, skin rashes, and a burning mouth in addition to the effects associated with a lack in calcium. Luckily, many of the foods rich in calcium also contain vitamin D, like milk, egg yolks, and fish.
Vitamin C
The benefits of vitamin C are well-known for their effects on the immune system. Relatedly, a deficiency in vitamin C increases your chances for oral bacterial infestations and infections. Specifically, consuming too little vitamin C has been linked to gum disease and loose teeth. Many foods contain vitamin C, including oranges, kiwi, broccoli, and red peppers.
Iron
Under consuming iron in your diet can make you feel light-headed and disoriented, along with inflaming your tongue and causing sores to form inside your mouth. Because these sores are open wounds, they can easily become infected from mouth bacteria and cause other more serious problems for both your mouth and body. Iron can be found in most meats (especially red types), beans, tofu, potatoes, broccoli, nuts, spinach, and green peppers.
Vitamins B2, B3, and B12
Vitamin B2, B3, and B12 are all important for maintaining the balance of bacteria in your mouth. When you do not ingest enough of these vitamins, mouth sores can easily form. Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, helps produce red blood cells and can be found in milk, bread, and fortified cereals. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is also closely related with halitosis, or bad breath, thanks to its role in digestion. Niacin can be found in meats, fish, and whole grains. Like riboflavin, Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is important in the production of red blood cells and thus a functioning immune response system. It can be found in fish, poultry, and meat. For more information on these important vitamins and others that are important for your diet and oral health, see WebMD.
Paying attention to your vitamin and mineral intake can notably decrease the amount of time you have to spend in the dentist’s chair. When altering your diet is not enough, you must see a quality dentist you trust. Websites rating dentist professionals can help you choose the best dentist in your area for you, either by searching by name or location.
