There are many minerals and nutrients that are good for the entire body. The lack of these nutrients can have harmful effects on your mouth and teeth and may contribute to some oral issues. They can affect your general health too. There is no doubt regarding this.
Let’s see together which vitamins and minerals are essential for our good oral health.
- Vitamin A: This vitamin plays an important role in the development of your teeth and healthy tooth enamel. Another major benefit of vitamin A is the maintenance of a healthy flow of saliva in your mouth, as well as the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes. It also helps keep your gums healthy and ensures proper healing. You can easily find vitamin A in beef, liver, cheese, fish, milk, and eggs. Orange and yellow foods like carrots, mangoes, and sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens such as spinach, are rich in beta-carotene, which transforms into vitamin A in our body.
- Vitamin B3: The lack of vitamin B3 can lead to bad breath and canker sores in your mouth. In order to avoid this, eat chicken and fish.
- Vitamin B12 and B2: A small amount of these vitamins in your body can cause mouth sores. It can also make gingivitis more severe. Sources of vitamin B2 are spinach, almonds, whole-wheat pasta, and mushrooms. You can find vitamin B 12 in red meat, chicken, liver, pork, and fish. Dairy products, like milk, yogurt, and cheese, are also good sources of vitamin B12.
- Vitamin C: Helps build and repair connective tissue, which aids in preventing gum inflammation. Deficiency of vitamin C can cause bleeding, swollen gums, and loose teeth. Sources of vitamin C are strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin D: Without vitamin D, your body can’t absorb the calcium it needs to keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy. Deficiency of vitamin D will cause burning mouth syndrome (this includes a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth). This vitamin is extremely important in the process of keeping the teeth anchored in the gums, preventing periodontal disease. Research shows that vitamin D may help reduce the risk of tooth decay. The cells in the teeth that form dentin and enamel contain vitamin D receptors, which means that this vitamin plays a role in their functionality. Drink milk and eat eggs, and fish in order to avoid vitamin D deficiency.
- Vitamin E: Reduces the soreness of gums in teething children, and it helps in the recovery of the mouth tissues. You can find vitamin E in dark leafy greens, nuts, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
- Calcium: Is highly important because it helps maintain your teeth in good shape. Our jaws and teeth are made mostly of calcium, which means their regular intake can protect our teeth’s enamel. It prevents osteoporosis, a condition that can cause bone tissue around your teeth. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease or tooth decay. Eat calcium-rich foods, such as sardines, green leafy vegetables, salmon, cabbage, oysters, and beans. And consume dairy products.
- Iron: Deficiency can cause inflammation on your tongue and the appearance of sores inside your mouth. You can find iron in red meat, liver, some cereals, some nuts, and spices.
- Zinc and magnesium: These two minerals help our body a lot. Zinc reduces plaque build-up on your gums and prevents the growth of bacteria in your mouth. You can find zinc in cereals, wheat, beef, and cheese. Magnesium protects your teeth from cavities. In order to have strong teeth, eat dark chocolate, bananas, and spinach.
In conclusion, vitamins and minerals are an essential part of our lives, and they contribute to our good oral health. By having a balanced diet, you will have stronger teeth and healthy gums. If you think you may have dental issues because of a lack of some nutrients, call us today to make an appointment. (610) 553-3389 is our phone number. Dr. Arhiri will be more than glad to help you with everything you may need.
References:
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=315&aid=3805
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20000927/keep-that-smile-calcium-vitamin-d-prevent-tooth-loss#1