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.