We often stress the importance of diet to our patients when it comes to keeping their oral health in top shape. The choices we make regarding the foods we eat and beverages we drink have a significant impact on things like tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and gum health.
In this blog post, we're going to identify four important vitamins and minerals for oral health and give you some suggestions on how to incorporate more into your diet.
Phosphorous: Next to calcium, phosphorous is the second most plentiful mineral in the human body. Calcium works closely with phosphorous and is helpful for building strong bones and teeth. The majority of the phosphorous in our bodies is, in fact, in our bones and teeth.
You can boost the amount of phosphorous in your diet by eating many different types of seafood such as scallops, tuna, and salmon. You can also get phosphorous in some plant-based foods such as soybeans, lentils, and some types of seeds.
Vitamin C: Many are aware that it's a good idea to make sure you're getting your vitamin C during cold season, but did you know one of the main roles of vitamin C is to help the body build collagen? Collagen is one of the body's most abundant connective tissues. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums and make you more susceptible to gingivitis.
Most citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, but you can also get it, with less sugar, in many leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin A: Many associate vitamin A with eyesight, but it serves other important functions in the body too. For example, vitamin A helps the body keep its mucous membranes healthy and functioning. It's also important for good oral health because it helps promote healthy saliva flow, which keeps teeth and gums free of debris.
If you're looking to boost your body's vitamin A levels, consider eating more dark leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, or spinach.
Potassium: Potassium, or vitamin K, helps improve your bone density, which keeps your bones and teeth healthy. It's also useful for helping your blood clot, which can help wounds in your mouth heal more quickly.
Many know bananas are a great source of potassium, but you can also find it in legumes, squash, milk, mushrooms, and avocados.
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Keep your oral health in mind when you make those food and drink choices throughout the day! If you enjoy reading our blog, please drop by our Facebook page and read more of our posts.