• 22 APR 21
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    How Do Vitamins and Minerals Affect Your Teeth?

    vitamins and minerals and your teeth

    Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums. If your diet is lacking in the vitamins and minerals your body needs, your teeth and gums are affected in a variety of negative ways.

    Good Nutrition Leads to Healthy Teeth

    Everything you consume comes into contact with your teeth, which means what you eat and drink continually impacts the health of your teeth and gums.  Learn more about the foods that are best for you, and decide today to eat a better diet to care for your oral health.

    Following are some of the foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals to keep your teeth healthy.

    Whole Grains

    Whole grains provide B vitamins and iron, containing magnesium, an important ingredient for bones and teeth. Bran, brown rice, whole-grain cereals and pasta are sources of whole grains and they are high in fiber.

    Calcium and Phosphorus

    Eating foods containing calcium and phosphorus, such as meat, eggs and fish can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy, you are less likely to develop gum disease and are a prime ingredient for preventing tooth decay. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are great sources of calcium. Alternative sources of calcium include dried beans, nuts, soft-boned fish, and leafy greens. Phosphorus plays a supportive role in strengthening bones and teeth. Many foods contain phosphorus including seafood, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.

    Vitamin D

    Combining calcium sources with Vitamin D-rich foods, boosts the body’s calcium absorption rate and improves bone mineral density. The sun is your best friend when it comes to your body’s Vitamin D production. Enjoy some sunlight for a few minutes every day and include fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel), portobello mushrooms, cheese, soy milk, cereals, and dairy products in your diet.

    Fruit, Fiber and Veggies

    High-fiber foods keep saliva flowing, which creates mineral defenses against tooth decay. Good sources of fiber include dried fruits and fresh fruits, like bananas, apples and oranges. Other foods such as beans, Brussels sprouts and peas, peanuts, almonds and bran are high in fiber. Carrots, apples and cucumbers, create a lot of chewing, which acts as a cleansing mechanism that clears away harmful bacteria.

    Protein

    Protein is an essential building block for growth, and it is important for strong teeth. Sources of protein include lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes.

    Healthy Fats

    Healthy fats are an important component of an anti-inflammatory diet that promotes oral health. Heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish (like salmon) work hand in hand to promote good oral health.

    Drink Plenty of Water

    A glass of fluorinated tap water is the best beverage to protect your teeth! Water has so many other health related benefits and the fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.

    Regular Dental Check Ups

    Proper nutrition and daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups are critical components to having healthy teeth. You put your teeth and gums at risk when you overlook regular dental check-ups.

    Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS is proficient in many dental specialties, and is here to help you and your whole family with their dental needs. Please contact her online or call our office at (720) 409-0008.

    You can reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease by getting the proper vitamins and minerals in your diet. Good oral hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups twice a year, will have a positive effect on your teeth for a lifetime.

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