December 6, 2024

Vitamins and Minerals Affect Teeth

Gum disease affects one in two adults, but children can get it too. Oral health concerns are caused by poor dental hygiene. Healthy teeth and gums require a balanced diet, which many people neglect.  Food and drink can strengthen your teeth. However, bad food and drinks can damage teeth and discolor them, and you must get help from family dentistry in North Mankato.

Hence vitamins and minerals are crucial to dental health!

Nutrition, Healthy Teeth, and Gums

Balanced meals provide good nourishment. These meals provide nutrition for good wellness.  A diet lacking essential nutrients harms your teeth and gums.

Poor nutrition first makes your mouth more susceptible to illness. Tissue regeneration and healing are only possible with food. Gum disease and other infections increase. 

High-sugar and carbohydrate diets and drinks damage teeth the most.  Sugary and starchy diets stimulate oral acid production, eroding teeth.  Enamel erosion weakens teeth. Weak teeth are more likely to break, chip, or rot.

Oral and general health are linked.

Thus, eat well!  Start stocking the fridge and pantry with gum- and tooth-healthy items. Check for these vitamins and minerals. 

  • Calcium

Calcium strengthens teeth best. Bones are made of this mineral. Calcium strengthens teeth, which are bones.  Calcium is necessary for the brain, organs, and skeletal muscles.

  • Vit D

Since Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, eating calcium-rich meals with it is best.  Vitamin D also boosts bone density.

Vitamin D production is best with the sun. When you can, get some sun, but use sunscreen!  Some food that contains dairy products include Fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel), and portobello mushrooms. Furthermore, dairy items like soy milk, cheese and cereals are also excellent source of Vitamin D.

  • Potassium

Potassium—mineral or vitamin?  It increases bone mineral density like Vitamin D.  Thus. Potassium strengthens bones.

Lima beans, tomatoes, swiss chard, prunes, and avocados contain potassium, but bananas are the most popular. 

  • Vit B3

Niacin (Vitamin B3) prevents canker sores and poor breath. Fish, poultry, and meat contain this vitamin.

  • Vit B12, B2

Vitamins B2 and B12 prevent mouth sores.

Red meat, hog, chicken liver, fish, and dairy have high Vitamin B2 and B12 levels. Spinach, almonds, and dairy provide these vitamins.

  • Vit C

Increased Vitamin C intake strengthens gums. This vitamin boosts gum health and immunity!

Vitamin C helps heal connective tissues. Preventing gum disease and inflammation requires this.  Vitamin C accelerates healing and regeneration.

Vitamin C is not just found in citrus fruits. You can also get it from green vegetables, like cauliflower, Broccoli, green/red peppers, turnips, Brussels sprouts, spinach, cabbage, and more. 

  • Phosphorus

Phosphorus also maximizes calcium absorption. It reinforces bones and teeth. Many foods include phosphorus. Moreover, Seafood contains this vitamin. 

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