21 Dec Best Nutrients for Dental Health in Prescott
As holistic practitioners here at Prescott Dentistry, rather than just treating the symptoms, we want to equip you with the right tools and information for preventing disease and treating the root causes of dental issues. One of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and vibrant is through nutrition. What you eat can have a big impact on keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. Here are some of the best nutrients for dental health.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are micronutrients found in certain plant-based foods and drinks such as red wine, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, tea, and dried spices. They contain powerful antioxidants and help prevent many diseases in the body. They are particularly important for oral health because they have been shown to reduce the amount of plaque accumulation as well as fight the bacteria streptococcus mutans, the bacteria most often responsible for the formation of dental cavities. Polyphenols have also been shown to protect against oral cancer.
Calcium
Most of us are already aware that calcium is good for your teeth. As one of the major building blocks for bones, it also helps strengthen the jaws. It hardens the enamel, or the protective coating on your teeth, as well. And, as if these weren’t enough reasons to up your calcium intake, it also increases the production of saliva. Saliva is an important part of good dental health because saliva contains important minerals, enzymes, and immune cells. Good sources of calcium include salmon, oysters, clams, broccoli, greens, almonds, beans and lentils, and seeds.
Vitamin D
This vitamin controls your body’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus, so you will need adequate amounts of vitamin D to ensure calcium is working effectively to protect your teeth. Vitamin D has also been shown to be a promising preventative measure against tooth decay. Sensible sun exposure is one way to boost your vitamin D levels, but food sources are also important. It can also be found in mushrooms, egg yolks, salmon and sardines.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. It can protect against inflammation like gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can help prevent your teeth from becoming loose. You probably already know that citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C. Potatoes and green, leafy vegetables are also good sources of this nutritional powerhouse.
What sets us apart here at Prescott Dentistry is that we practice what we preach! Dr. German is especially passionate about improving health through nutrition. It’s always best to get nutrients from food, but if additional supplementation is required, be sure to talk to us or to your doctor first. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss the best nutrients for dental health, and to find the right pathway toward optimum oral care for your teeth and gums.
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