Here are the 5 Best Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Many of us think about what to eat in terms of diets or general nutrition, like whether we’re getting enough protein, fiber or healthy fats.  Rarely do people mention that they’re eating certain foods because they want healthy teeth and gums – but keeping up your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health.

There are plenty of vitamins and minerals that contribute to strong teeth and bones, but some are more important than others.  Here are our top five, and which foods to incorporate into your diet to get them.

1. Calcium: If your parents ever told you to drink your milk so you’d grow up to be strong, they weren’t wrong. Calcium, an important mineral found in milk, helps build bone, strengthen your jawbone and even harden your tooth enamel, making it harder for cavities to develop.  You’ll find plenty of calcium in dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as foods like salmon and broccoli.
2. Phosphorous: Phosphorous works with calcium to help strengthen teeth and bones. You can find it in an abundance in seafood, especially salmon, cod, shrimp and scallops. It’s also found in beef, pork, soybeans, lentils and cheese.
3. Potassium: Potassium works with vitamin D to improve your bone mineral density, and helps magnesium regulate your blood from becoming too acidic – this can cause a calcium deficiency in your bones and teeth. To get more potassium in your diet, eat plenty of bananas, avocados, tomatoes, Swiss chard and lima beans.
4. Vitamin D: Getting enough vitamin D in your diet is key to good oral health. This vitamin improves your bone mineral density by making sure the body absorbs calcium properly.  You can go out in the sunlight for a dose of vitamin D, but there are plenty of food sources as well.  Fatty fish and portobello mushrooms are high in vitamin D; milk and orange juice are frequently fortified with the vitamin, too.
5. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is responsible for boosting immune health, but it also strengthens your gums to help prevent your teeth from loosening. To help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal disease, make sure you eat plenty of foods loaded with vitamin C, such as leafy greens, potatoes and citrus fruits.

If your diet precludes you from getting one or more of these nutrients on a regular basis, talk to your physician about adding a supplement.  They’ll be able to recommend an appropriate amount for your health conditions, age and other factors, and recommend reputable brands.

Support your teeth with a good diet

It’s important to recognize the effect that food and nutrition have on oral health. Your teeth and gums are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so the more you can do to support them, the better. Eating a healthy and varied diet – including the suggestions above – and practicing great oral hygiene are two great ways to keep your mouth healthy.

For your periodontal health needs, Levenson Periodontal Associates offers a full range of treatment options. Call us today to set up an appointment.