15 Mar 5 Vitamins and Minerals for a Healthy Mouth
Back in December, we wrote a blog post on nutrients for dental health. In today’s post, we will be discussing some additional nutrients that are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. As the leading holistic dental practice in Prescott, our practitioners here at Prescott Dentistry believe nutrition is one of the most important ways to keep your mouth healthy.
Magnesium
Magnesium is responsible for the remineralization of teeth. It helps keep calcium and phosphorus in balance. When they are out of balance, demineralization can occur, making the teeth more susceptible to decay. A 2005 German study found a correlation between magnesium deficiency and periodontal disease.
The best food sources of magnesium are pumpkin seeds, almonds, boiled spinach, and cashews.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus supports calcium in building strong bones and teeth.
The richest sources of this mineral include seafood, such as scallops, sardines, cod, shrimp, tuna and salmon. While these foods have lower levels, you can also find phosphorus in beef, pork and cheese. There are also excellent plant-based sources of phosphorus such as soybeans, lentils and pumpkin seeds.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps block substances that break down bone, acting as a kind of shield. It also helps your body produce osteocalcin, a protein that supports bone strength. A deficiency in vitamin K can slow down your body’s healing process and make your gums more likely to bleed.
Leafy greens, such as kale, collards and spinach, are some of the best foods to help boost your vitamin K. Other great sources include parsley, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
Vitamin A
This vitamin helps keep mucous membranes healthy. It prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly.
For strong gums and teeth, load up on fish, egg yolks and liver. There are also fruits and veggies that contain high levels of beta-carotene, which your body then converts into vitamin A. These include leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens, and orange-colored foods like apricots, oranges, cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes.
Potassium
Like vitamin D, potassium improves bone mineral density. It also works with magnesium to prevent blood from becoming too acidic. An overly acidic environment can actually leach calcium from your bones and teeth.
Bananas are well known sources of potassium. Other fruits and vegetables with high levels of the mineral include lima beans, tomatoes, swiss chard, potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados and prunes.
Eating these nutrients will go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums their healthiest. At Prescott Dentistry, we value holistic health. This means the health of your mouth, as it relates to your whole body, is our top priority. So if you are looking for a holistic dental practice in Prescott, contact us today to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you keep your teeth and gums strong and beautiful as an important part of your overall healthy lifestyle!
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