Essential Vitamins And Minerals For A Healthy Smile

Many people often overlook the need to “feed” our smiles to keep them healthy. Feeding our smiles is just like feeding our bodies. If we eat poorly, our general and dental health will deteriorate over time. Just like our bodies, our teeth need certain essential vitamins and minerals to stay as healthy as possible. Below you will find a few that support good dental health.

Essential Vitamins And Minerals

• -Calcium. Almost 100% of the calcium in our bodies is stored in our bones and teeth. Calcium provides structural support for our bones and teeth. A reduction in calcium can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay (as well as possibly osteoporosis over time). Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, and kale
• -Iron. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. Low iron can lead to an inflamed tongue (glossitis), bald or cracked tongue, development of mouth sores, and cracked teeth due to an incredible urge to chew ice. Good sources of iron include red meat and Liver.
• –Vitamin A. Helps maintain good salivary flow. Saliva is important to wash away oral bacteria and excess food particles along the gumline and between the teeth. Good sources include sweet potatoes, melons, and spinach.
• -Vitamin B3 (Niacin). Vitamin B3 helps your body convert food into energy and helps your nervous system function properly. This essential nutrient can lead to excessively bad breath and canker sores in the mouth. Good sources include chicken and fish.
• -Vitamin B12 and B2 (Riboflavin). Consuming Vitamin B12 and B2 can reduce your risk of developing canker sores. Good sources of vitamin B2 include red meat, chicken, liver, pork, yogurt, and cheese. Good sources of vitamin B12 include pasta, spinach, and almonds.
• -Vitamin C: This vitamin is not only helpful for your immune system, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting your gum tissue from developing gingivitis. Good sources of vitamin C include red peppers and oranges.
• -Vitamin D: This vitamin is one of the most important vitamins for your oral health. It’s the vitamin that supports the absorption of calcium. A deficiency of vitamin D, can lead to the development of “burning mouth” syndrome. This syndrome causes a burning sensation in the mouth along with the possibility of dry mouth and a change in taste (metallic taste). Good sources of Vitamin D include milk with egg yolk or fish to increase Vitamin D intake

Vitamins And Minerals Conclusion

Maintaining a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is a great first step to supporting your oral health at any age. Diet is often overlooked in its role in maintaining dental health but it is very important to create a good foundation for good dental health. Better to be proactive then reactive when it comes to our health.