A balanced diet is integral to your preventative oral health care regimen. The food you eat can have a significant impact on your oral well-being. Discover why these six vitamins and minerals are essential for your dental health.
1. Calcium
Calcium strengthens your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Because approximately 99% of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth, a calcium deficiency can weaken your teeth and lead to tooth loss.
Tooth loss can occur when the parathyroid hormone (PTH) signals the release of calcium from the bones and teeth into the bloodstream to support nerve, muscle, and heart function.
To ensure adequate calcium intake, eat a diet that includes calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, leafy greens, almonds, and yogurt, as well as calcium-fortified foods like orange juice and cereal.
2. Phosphorus
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium. It is another mineral that hardens tooth enamel because it promotes the absorption of calcium, which strengthens your teeth and bones.
It is found in many foods, including dairy products, meats, fish, nuts, and legumes. A diet rich in phosphorus can help prevent tooth decay.
3. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps to form red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues in your mouth. It also helps to break down homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage tooth enamel. A lack of Vitamin B12 can lead to bad breath, mouth ulcers, and the detachment of the connective tissues supporting your teeth.
You can increase your Vitamin B12 intake by eating poultry, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps keep gums healthy and strong, preventing bleeding and providing a barrier against infection. It also helps to rebuild tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. If you don’t get enough Vitamin C, you may experience tooth problems like gum disease and cavities.
To ensure you get enough Vitamin C for a healthy smile, eat foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps promote strong and healthy teeth by aiding in calcium absorption. Vitamin D deficiency can increase inflammation, contributing to gum disease.
It is found in a variety of foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. Vitamin D can also be obtained through exposure to sunlight or by taking supplements.
6. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for many aspects of health, including bone and heart health. This fat-soluble vitamin prevents calculus from forming behind your bottom teeth and on your upper molars (due to the location of your saliva glands) because it is responsible for optimizing calcium use in your body.
It also plays a role in remineralizing your teeth. A vitamin K deficiency can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Vitamin K can be found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kale. It is also found in soybeans, beef liver, and chicken breast.
Support Your Oral Health with Aurora Dental Group
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to poor oral health, which is why Aurora Dental Group prioritizes educating patients on the importance of preventative care.
To schedule your dental exam and professional cleaning, contact us at (630) 896-7354.