Quick! Make a mental list of habits that have an impact on your dental health.
You thought about brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, right? Those are all hugely beneficial in keeping your teeth healthy, it’s true. But did you know that your diet has a big influence on your dental health? To really address the overall issue, let’s dig a little.
Many people don’t realize that a balanced diet with good nutrition is a key element in keeping a smile attractive and healthy. The same vitamins and minerals that keep your body in great shape are equally beneficial to your teeth. A few powerhouse players include:
Calcium and Vitamin D
A proper amount of calcium is very important to maintaining the structure of your teeth, along with phosphorus and magnesium. Vitamin D boosts absorption of the mineral, so a sufficient level of both is essential.
Vitamins A, C, and B complex
If you’re wanting to preserve and protect tooth enamel, vitamin A is essential. Deficiency in this vitamin can contribute to problems like gum disease, overgrown gums, and more. You may not know it, but vitamin C is responsible for increasing the health and efficiency of small oxygen- and nutrient-delivering capillaries throughout the body. A deficiency in vitamin C could mean loose teeth, mouth sores, and even bleeding gums. You can count on vitamin B complex to keep reduce the chance of cracked and bleeding lips, as well as open sores and lesions on the inside and outside of your mouth.
Fluoride
Tap water provides a good source of this tooth decay prevention agent, and nearly all toothpastes contain fluoride as an active ingredient as well. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth’s enamel, in tandem with calcium and phosphorus. Other minerals that are beneficial to good dental health include zinc, iodine, iron, and potassium. All of which are readily available in a balanced, nutritious diet.
So if you want to keep those pearly whites strong and beautiful for the years to come, pay attention to the fuel you’re giving your body. A healthy body and a secure smile—there’s no downside to good nutrition. Remember: if you are good to your teeth, they’ll be good to you too!
