(734) 999-9909
Maintaining healthy gums and teeth requires a lot more than just regular brushing and flossing. Following a proper oral hygiene routine helps a lot—but eating vitamin-enriched foods can contribute a lot to your oral health too. Your local dentist in Waterford recommends taking certain vitamins and minerals that are especially important for the overall health of your gums, teeth, and mouth.
Below are five vitamins and minerals that you should definitely put more in your body to promote even better oral care. Some of them can be obtained from food, while some can come from supplements.
Calcium
No surprises here—calcium is widely accepted to be good for your bones and teeth. Dairy products, like milk and yogurt, contain a form of calcium that’s easy enough to absorb by the human body.
For those who don’t consume dairy products, canned salmon, sardines, broccoli, collards, mustard greens, and kale are also good sources of calcium. To make sure calcium stays in these food items, you have to cook them in just a small amount of water! Boiling isn’t advised since it takes away some of the nutrients instead of keeping them.
Calcium can also be taken as a supplement, but you need to take it along with food to allow your stomach acid to break it down easily. Taking smaller doses of calcium (600 mg or less) is better as it allows your body to absorb it properly.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is another essential vitamin, and it works hand in hand with calcium absorption. In fact, one of the main functions of phosphorus is to help build strong bones and teeth.
You can find phosphorus in protein-rich foods like fish, meat, whole grains, lentils, and nuts. While it can be taken as a supplement, very few people need to do so since there are many good sources of phosphorus in food.
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C also has a lot to contribute to the prevention of tooth decay and the maintenance of bones, cartilage, and teeth. It also plays a vital role in repairing body tissues, forming collagen, and regulating our immune system.
Like other water-soluble vitamins, you can take your daily dose of Vitamin C even on an empty stomach. It’s actually recommended to be the very first thing you take in the morning before meals! Some sources of Vitamin C are:
- Red Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Citrus Fruits (Orange and Grapefruit)
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cantaloupe
Vitamin D
According to a 2020 study on Vitamin D deficiency and oral health, people who don’t take enough Vitamin D have higher risks of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health disorders. This vitamin is essential in the mineralization of your bones and teeth. You can have your daily dose of it by eating food like salmon, mackerel, herring, and other types of oily fish. Dental House recommends taking supplements to avoid Vitamin D deficiency as well!
Conclusion
It takes more than just flossing and brushing your teeth to make them healthy and cavity-free. Eating a healthy serving of nutrient-rich foods is the next step to maintaining oral health. As long as you stick to your oral hygiene routine and eat healthy food, you don’t have to worry about tooth decay and gum disease.
While all these tips are great, you still need to pay your local dentist in Waterford a visit for total mouth protection. The Dental House performs wisdom tooth extractions, orthodontics, and affordable dentistry services to clients in Ann Arbor and Waterford. Book an appointment today and take advantage of our offers and discounts!
