How to Incorporate Good Nutrition for Optimal Oral Health

It’s no secret that a nutritious diet can support more than just
overall health. What you might not know, however, is that doctors and
dentists alike agree that a balanced diet can also encourage a healthy
mouth, too.
Recent studies on the oral-systemic connection
that suggests oral health could be linked to overall health and that
evidence is strong. Vitamins and minerals found in everyday foods and
drinks have been shown to boost oral health when combined with regular
brushing and flossing.
If you’re considering altering your diet to aid in better oral health, check out the information below.
Foods Rich in Minerals
Just like your body, your teeth and gums require adequate nutrition
to function at its peak performance. Certain nutrients, like vitamins
and minerals found in everyday food and drinks, can help to prevent
cavities and fight against gum disease like gingivitis or periodontal
disease.
For enamel restoration, you’ll want to incorporate
foods into your diet that contain essential minerals such as calcium and
phosphorous.
Examples of foods and drinks containing these minerals are:
- Calcium – Yogurt, cheese, seafood, milk, and almonds
- Phosphorous – Pumpkin seeds, nuts, red meat, eggs, and tofu properly. Brushing daily can also help remove the bacteria that lead to gingivitis.
Foods Rich in Vitamins
Just like the minerals listed above, your body needs essential
vitamins to stay healthy as well. Several vitamins, such as vitamin C
and D, can be powerful agents used to help fight gum disease.
For
example, vitamin C can strengthen blood vessels and reduce
inflammation, reducing your chances of gum disease. It also plays a key
role in the production of a protein called collagen, which helps you
fight off periodontal disease.
Vitamin D is especially crucial for a healthy body and mouth, as it helps in the absorption of calcium.
Foods that include these important vitamins are:
- Vitamin D – Milk, fish, egg yolks and cod liver oil
- Vitamin C – Apples, grapes, raisins, nuts, beans, and berries
Learn More About Vitamin and Mineral Essentials
We’ve just scraped the surface of what foods and drinks contain many
of the critical vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Improve your
oral health by incorporating many of these foods today and contact your
dentist at Swan Dental for more information on how to improve your
smile.
Swan Dental is located out of Tucson, Arizona, for your convenience.
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