Learn Which Vitamins are Best for Teeth from Your Cosmetic Dentist

Just like any doctor, your dentist expects you to keep your mouth healthy with proper preventive care. Along with brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings every six months, you’ll want to pay attention to your diet. There are many vitamins and minerals you can be taking advantage of to keep your mouth strong.

A proper diet makes all the difference for your oral health, so keeping these points from your cosmetic dentist in mind will keep your oral health in check.

The Best Vitamins for a Healthy Mouth

Each vitamin holds a unique function for your mouth. Consume more of these and you just might notice a big difference:

• Vitamin A – This plays a large role in your mouth saliva supply. Healthy mucous membranes provide lubrication to your gums and cheeks. The more lubricated they are, the less susceptible you’ll be to disease. It also helps produce saliva that washes away food particles and bacteria leftover from foods you eat. Foods like carrots, orange fruits, peppers, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, egg yolks and fish will have it.
• B Vitamins – Niacin and riboflavin both act as anti-inflammatory chemicals and prevent mouth sores. If you get canker sores or inflammation in your gums often, try eating more poultry, fish, red meats, dairy products, spinach, almonds, and legumes, as they all contain B vitamins.
• Vitamin C – This vitamin is not only great for your immune system; it also keeps the connective tissue of your gums strong, holding your teeth in place and preventing gum disease from forming. Any citrus fruit as well as berries, kale, broccoli, and peppers contain this valuable vitamin.
• Vitamin D – This vitamin allows your body to absorb calcium, a mineral we’ll be talking about in a moment. It allows your teeth to develop properly and protects you from gum disease and tooth decay. Get your dose of D from sitting in the sun for 15 minutes or eating milk, fish, and eggs.
• Vitamin E – This antioxidant is great for preventing periodontal disease and decreasing inflammation. Foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, fish, and avocado contain this valuable vitamin.

Make the Most Out of Minerals for Your Smile

• Calcium – Your jaw bones and teeth mainly consist of calcium, so it’s needed for proper development. If you don’t consume enough, your body will take it from your bones, so make sure to eat leafy greens, broccoli, almonds, legumes, and dairy products to get your daily serving.
• Potassium – This mineral also plays a role in bone health by blocking substances that break down bones. It also aids in blood clotting, making it easier for your mouth to heal in case of injury or bleeding while flossing. Get this from dairy products, leafy greens, bananas, squash, and yogurt.
• Iodine – This also helps your body absorb calcium and promotes healthy thyroid glands. It’s found in shellfish, garlic, sesame seeds, squash, and iodized salt.
• Zinc – Zinc is found in saliva and has been proven to fight bacteria and plaque. Try to eat cashews, red meat, pumpkin seeds, and mushrooms to increase your intake.

With a balanced diet, bacteria don’t stand a chance! Learn more pro-mouth diets with your dentist today!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Stec earned his Bachelor of Science in biology at the University of Nebraska before receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry 5 years later. He’s attended many advanced education classes at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies to stay updated on the latest dental procedures. To learn more about practice, contact him at (308) 382-4440 or visit his website.