Want healthy gums and teeth? These vitamins and minerals are the building blocks for a healthy mouth! It’s essential to eat a well-balanced diet as it provides your body with the nutrition that it needs. But does your diet also provide your mouth with the nutrients that it craves? Are you getting these six vitamins and minerals for healthy gums and teeth in your diet?
Calcium
This one is probably no surprise to you. Calcium is well-known as a friend for both our teeth and our bones. This mineral is known for its ability to be absorbed by bone-like structures and its ability to add strength. Calcium can be found in your teeth’ enamel, and it can also be found in your jawbone.
A great way to get your daily dose of calcium is by adding milk, cheese, yogurt, and broccoli to your meals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for our body as it aids in absorbing calcium. If you don’t have enough vitamin D available in your body, your body won’t get the most out of your calcium intake, affecting your oral health. Vitamin D is a valuable vitamin when it comes to your teeth and your jaw health.
Your body naturally produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunshine. If you live in the northern states, it can be good to supplement with vitamin D since the body cannot produce vitamin D naturally during the winter months. Ask your doctor or dentist for recommended supplementation amounts. Some foods have been fortified with vitamin D. At your local grocery store, you can find milk, orange juice, and cereal that has been fortified with vitamin D.
You can also look for a daily vitamin with the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D.
Potassium
Potassium is crucial as it aids in your blood’s ability to clot properly. This is required for recovering from injury, whether it’s an open wound on your skin or a cut in your gum tissue.
Potassium can be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Add bananas, kiwis, oranges, spinach, potatoes, pumpkin, and peas into your daily intake, and you can be sure to get the potassium that your body needs!
Vitamin A
Vitamin A greatly benefits your teeth and gums. First of all, vitamin A helps to stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva. This keeps your mouth moist and flowing saliva also helps to wash away bacteria and plaque. A dry mouth can lead to problems with cavities and gum disease, so it’s good to have enough saliva.
Foods that can provide you with vitamin A include eggs, kale, spinach, peppers, and oranges.
Vitamin B
There are many B vitamins, and it is vital to get all of them as they all serve different functions for your mouth and body. B vitamins are perfect for your oral health, especially B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). They both help to reduce sores and inflammation in your mouth. Studies have shown that if your gum tissue is healthy, then the rest of your body is most likely healthy.
Consuming almonds, dairy products, spinach, red meat, and legumes will help you get enough B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known as the immune booster! It does a great job of helping out your immune system, including your teeth and your gums. When your body is low on vitamin C, your immune system does not work as well as it should, making you more susceptible to gum disease. Not getting enough vitamin C could lead to swollen and bleeding gums.
Be sure to add berries, citrus fruits, peppers, and kale to your diet, so your body isn’t lacking in vitamin C.
It’s no doubt that as humans, we are what we eat. What you consume can make a significant impact on your oral health and teeth. Pairing a good diet with excellent home care and routine dental check-ups are some of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy!
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