AS YOUR SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO DENTIST, we stress the importance of daily brushing and flossing and scheduling regular dental appointments. We also recommend cutting back on sugar and keeping it to mealtimes instead of snacking throughout the day. But what about the vitamins and minerals that help build those healthy smiles in the first place?
Vitamins for Oral Health
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps our bodies heal and fight inflammation. When kids don’t get enough, their gums could become more prone to bleeding and their teeth can become looser.
Vitamin D tells our intestines to absorb vitamins into the bloodstream and helps our bones stay dense and strong. Vitamins B2, 3, and 12 are important for reducing the risk of developing canker sores in the mouth, and B3 also helps us convert food into energy.
Vitamin A. In addition to keeping the rest of your body healthy, it helps keep saliva flowing so it can protect our teeth and gums. Saliva helps rid the mouth of bacteria and wash it away. Some foods rich in vitamin A include fish, egg yolks, as well as orange and yellow foods.
B Vitamins. Struggle with canker sores? An adequate amount of B vitamins can aid in keeping canker sores away. Find this vitamin in high amounts in lean meat, poultry, and green vegetables.
Vitamin C. Also an immune system supporter, vitamin C keeps gums healthy. Not getting enough of it can lead to bleeding or inflammation of the gum tissue. Those who may be lacking vitamin C are at greater risk for developing gum disease. Seek out broccoli, citrus fruits, and kale to get your dose.
Calcium. Calcium helps build strong bones, including your jaw bone. Getting enough calcium can help keep teeth strong and sturdy. Dairy products, cauliflower, and almonds are an excellent source of calcium.
Vitamin D. Without vitamin D, all that calcium you’ve tried so hard to get won’t be absorbed, so make sure you’re getting both. You can find it in milk or fortified cereals, or of course, soak it up with some sun rays. Your skin produces Vitamin D for free when exposed to direct sunlight.
How About Those Minerals?
Calcium is great for building strong teeth and bones, and magnesium helps the body absorb it. After calcium, phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in our body. We need it for the energy it provides and its role in the growth and development of our teeth and bones. Natural food sources for phosphorus are milk, eggs, peas, and lean meat.
Iron helps maintain good oxygen levels in our cells. Zinc helps us fight oral bacteria and plaque by making it harder for it to build up along the gumline.
A Well-Rounded Diet is Key
Although there are many vitamins and supplements on the market. Most nutritionists recommend getting your daily dose of vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat every day.
An easy method to ensure you're receiving a wide is to eat foods of a wide variety of colors. The more colorful and vibrant your plate of food is, the wider the range of nutrients are in them. Additionally, getting at least 15 minutes of daily sun exposure is the most effective way to produce Vitamin D.
Some people may have certain conditions that prevent them from absorbing specific vitamins or from having direct sun exposure. Taking vitamin supplements may be their next option.
By combining good oral hygiene, as well as a healthy diet, you can have a strong healthy smile for life. If it's been more than six months since your last check-up and cleaning or if you have any oral health concerns, schedule your next visit today. Call or text us at (650) 871-1400 or schedule your appointment online.
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