How Do Vitamins and Minerals Affect the Health of Your Teeth
Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. adult population have had tooth decay or cavities and gum disease affects 50 percent of adults over the age of 30. A healthy diet is critical in order to have strong teeth and healthy gums. What you eat and drink can strengthen or weaken your teeth. The consumption of the wrong food and drinks, along with poor dental hygiene is usually the cause of tooth loss and other oral problems. Vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy teeth.
Good Nutrition Is Essential for Healthy Teeth
Everything you eat or drink comes in contact with your teeth. What you consume has an impact on the health of your teeth and gums. What foods are best for you? Make the decision to eat a nutritious diet to take care of your oral health.
Following is a wide variety of foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals to keep your teeth healthy.
Phosphorus and Calcium
Foods rich in phosphorus and calcium, such as eggs, meat and fish can help keep tooth enamel healthy and strong. Strong tooth enamel means you are less likely to develop gum disease and is a primary ingredient for preventing tooth decay. Dairy products including yogurt, milk, and cheese are rich sources of calcium. Other sources of calcium include nuts, fish, dried beans, and leafy greens. Phosphorus supports the strengthening of bones and teeth. Phosphorus rich foods include soybeans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and seafood.
Vitamin D
The combination of foods rich in calcium with foods rich in Vitamin D increases the calcium absorption rate in your body and improves bone mineral density. The sun is a great source of Vitamin D, therefore it’s important to get some sunlight for a few minutes every day. Along with this regimen, include fish such as salmon and tuna, portobello mushrooms, cheese, milk, whole grain cereals, and other dairy products in your diet.
Protein
Protein is essential in every diet, and it is integral in building strong teeth. Protein-rich food like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs along with peas, legumes, and dry beans, will provide the protein you need to ensure strong teeth.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, bran, whole grain cereal and pasta provide B vitamins and iron and are high fiber foods. They also contain magnesium, which is a vital mineral for your teeth and bones.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
These fresh foods such as apples, bananas, and oranges contain high fiber, which helps your saliva output and creates mineral defenses against tooth decay. Other good fiber sources include dried fruit, nuts, beans, brussels sprouts and peas. Vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers, require a lot of chewing. Chewing acts like a cleansing method for your teeth, clearing away harmful bacteria.
Water Quenches Your Thirst and Protects Your Teeth
Fluoridated tap water protects your teeth! Water benefits your health in so many ways, and the fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. According to a recent study, “drinking water with fluoride, is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.”
Routine Dental Check Ups Are a Vital Component for Healthy Teeth
Proper nutrition, along with routine dental checkups, and brushing and flossing are vital aspects of having healthy teeth. Healthy gums and teeth are threatened if you overlook having routine dental check-ups.
Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS will attend to all of your dental needs and those of your entire family. Please contact her online or call our office at (720) 409-0008 and begin today to make healthy teeth a priority!
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