Everyone knows that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for taking care of your teeth. However, it’s less common knowledge that your diet can have a huge impact on the state of your oral health. Of course, over consuming sugar can be particularly damaging for your teeth, but there are certain foods you should be aiming to include in your diet if you want to retain optimal dental health.
Vitamins are organic compounds that naturally occur in foods and help us to stave off certain illnesses and diseases. If you’ve noticed signs that your oral health is somewhat declining, perhaps assess your diet to ascertain whether or not you are eating enough foods containing the following vitamins:
Calcium:
You’ve probably heard people talk about calcium being good for your bones, but it is also essential for strengthening your enamel, which is the protective outer coating on the surface of your teeth. When you consume enough calcium on the daily, you will shield your teeth from decay and prevent cavities.
Most people associate calcium with dairy products like yoghurt and milk, but there are also plenty of options available for those who follow a plant-based diet or are lactose-intolerant. These include certain nuts such as almonds, brazil nuts and walnuts and leafy greens like kale or broccoli. You can also find calcium in tofu.
Vitamin D:
You’ve probably heard people talk about the importance of the ‘sunshine vitamin’, but did you know that your intake levels can affect your oral health? Vitamin D deficiency is unfortunately an all too common phenomenon, particularly in the UK, where the sun levels are somewhat unreliable. You can incorporate more vitamin D into your diet by consuming egg yolks, red meat and vitamin D-fortified cereals. This will help prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. If you follow a vegan diet, it may be beneficial for you to take vitamin D supplements, though we would always recommend consulting a doctor or dentist beforehand.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C ensures that your teeth stay firmly in place by strengthening your gum tissue. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for sailors out at sea to develop scurvy, a chronic vitamin C deficiency disease that was brought on by a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. Scurvy involves bruised and bleeding gums. If you notice your gums are bleeding more than normal, get in touch with a dentist at Gentle Smiles Dental so that they can pinpoint the root of the issue.
The best way to include vitamin C in your diet is by eating citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes and broccoli.
Phosphorus:
Phosphorus is one of the most abundant substances in the body, and it is mostly used to strengthen teeth and bones. It also assists calcium in its job of strengthening teeth. Good sources of this essential mineral include seafood, chicken, red meat and dairy. For those following a plast-based diet, you can also find phosphorus in nuts, seeds and legumes.
Contact Gentle Smiles Dental for Expert Dental Guidance
If you suspect that your diet may be lacking in a certain essential vitamin, we always advise consulting an expert to ensure you are taking the right steps to rectify the situation. The team at Gentle Smiles Dental is always happy to answer any queries and make suggestions on how you can improve your oral health. To contact us today, use the form on our website or give us a call on 02086293961.Gentle Smiles Dental
