Don’t Miss These Vitamins and Minerals Essential for Healthy Teeth
The conversation around oral health often revolves around the usual suspects: brushing, flossing and avoiding sugary snacks.
However, there’s another crucial component that frequently gets overlooked — what should you eat to maintain a healthy smile?
At Oregon City Dentistry, we encourage positive changes for your overall health. Beyond just steering clear of sweets, the food you choose plays a pivotal role in the preventative care of your teeth and gums. But what exactly should we be eating to foster a flourishing smile?
The Nutritional Building Blocks for Oral Wellness
Calcium and Vitamin D: As the bedrock of dental health, calcium strengthens the teeth and jaw. vitamin D ensures calcium is effectively absorbed. Higher prenatal vitamin D levels might even help babies have fewer cavities early in life.
Phosphorus: This mineral works with calcium to protect and rebuild tooth enamel. Find it in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and nuts.
Vitamin C: Essential for gum health, vitamin C strengthens soft tissue in your mouth and helps ward off gum disease.
Potassium: Like vitamin D, potassium improves bone density and benefits overall tooth strength. Bananas, oranges and avocados are rich in potassium.
Vitamin A: This vitamin aids in the maintenance of mucous membranes in the mouth and helps keep gums healthy. Carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens are full of vitamin A.
Zinc: There’s some evidence that zinc can reduce canker sores. It’s worth a try!
Great Choices for Your Teeth
Your Oregon City family dental office reminds you that fruits and vegetables with high water content are great to snack on. Think apples, celery, carrots and cucumbers. An apple and some cheese (for calcium) would be a tooth-healthy snack.
Water and unsweetened tea are perfect all-day sippers. Sugary drinks can be fun as a treat, but be careful about drinking them throughout the day.
Snacking FAQ
Are coffee and tea bad for your teeth?
Plain coffee and tea can stain your teeth, but added sugar is the real culprit. Because coffee is acidic, brushing your teeth directly after your morning cup can erode enamel. Try to brush before your coffee.
What about chewing gum?
Sugarless gum can actually help your teeth by promoting saliva flow. Your dentist may suggest xylitol gum to prevent cavities. Of course, if you have jaw issues or pain, chewing gum might not be worth the discomfort.
Gum with sugar? It’s a treat.
What about sparkling water? If it’s sugar-free, you’re probably in the clear. Sparkling water is slightly more acidic than plain tap water, but not acidic enough to do much damage to your enamel. Still, check your labels. If there’s any sugar, treat it like a soda. If there’s citrus added, try to drink it with a meal or in one sitting.
Family Dental Care in Oregon City
Enjoying a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can significantly improve the health of your teeth and gums. Alongside diet, regular visits to our Oregon City family dental office are vital to maintaining optimal oral health.
Questions? We’ll be happy to go over them at your next appointment. We’ll see you soon.