Nutrition | How Maintaining a Vitamin-Rich Diet Can Lead to Oral Health

 

Our televisions, radios, magazines, bookstores, and even grocery stores are overflowing

Eating for your teeth means embracing and consuming a well-balanced diet of foods from every food group.

with words like “organic”, “paleo”, “vegan”, “low carb”, and “gluten-free”.  Today, many are searching for the diet or lifestyle that will help them feel better, look better, and perform better.  Yet as we work towards our weight, fitness, health, and life goals, it is important that we not lose sight of what is best for our whole self-teeth and gums included.  Did you know they are just as affected by what you eat and drink as the rest of you is?

Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants | Why a Balanced Diet Matters to your Oral Health

We know that good nutrition has everything do with our health and well-being.  Eating a nutritious and balanced diet boosts the immune system which is important in preventing illnesses including dental and gum diseases such as periodontal disease and therefore aiding in the prevention of heart disease as was mentioned in a previous post, How Oral Hygiene Can Prevent Heart Disease . According to Ken Sutherland, DDS, in his article, "What to Eat to Keep Your Teeth", a consistent antioxidant and vitamin-filled diet is the key to a strengthened immune system, is able to reduce inflammation, and combat mouth bacteria.  If you are curious about the warning signs of periodontal disease, view Dr. Moore's list of symptoms and treatment information.

Eating for your teeth means embracing and consuming a well-balanced diet of foods from every food group.  Dr. Sutherland suggests that seeking variety decreases the chance of your ever becoming vitamin or mineral deficient which would negatively affect the immune systemVitamins and antioxidants also help to protect mouth tissue as well as your gums from bacterial infection and cell damage.

How to Eat for Your Teeth | Which Vitamin-Rich Foods Are Worth Incorporating Into Your Diet

Foods and beverages that have a high concentration of calcium and vitamin D are very active promoters of healthy bones and teeth.  According to WebMD in their post,"Diet and Oral Health" ,  Calcium and vitamin D both help to prevent loss of teeth and strengthen the jawbones.  They also play a key role in preventing Osteoporosis.  Some of these foods and drinks recommended by the experts at WebMD include dairy products—milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as orange juice, salmon, spinach, eggs, okra, and oatmeal.  The lists are extensive, and there is something to suit everyone's tasebuds.

Ken Sutherland recommends raw vegetables and fruits such as celery, carrots, and apples, as they help to freshen breath as they emove tooth plaque.  Other foods or vegetables enriched with vitamin C or another vitamin protect mouth tissue from cell damage and gums from bacterial infection.  Leafy vegetables are made up of a significant percentage of folic acid—a good acid that promotes cell growth throughout the body, and vitamin B.

Even if you have neglected eating a vitamin, mineral, and calcium-rich diet before, it is not too late to begin incorporating teeth-and-gum-friendly foods and drinks into your daily eating habits.  It's a small step with a big impact.  Your teeth and gums will thank you!

To learn more about how your teeth and gums are affected by diet and nutrition, request an appointment online with Dr. Moore.

Contact Lake Cities Dental for more information about Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in the Southlake, TX area. (817) 410-7373.