Harnessing the Power of 5 Key Nutrients for Healthy Teeth
Paying attention to what nutrients are featured in your meals or snacks throughout the week can be tricky. Sure, there’s always a goal to eat healthier, but busy schedules and general fatigue can get in the way of clean eating habits. Our Washington, MI, dentists may not be nutritionists but we know a thing or two about the relationship between food and your smile.
Here are 5 .
The Role of a Balanced Diet
What you consume on a daily basis can have long-term effects on your well-being. For example, if you eat primarily junk food, it’s no surprise when cavities are found down the road, not to mention other health complications later in life. We’ve all heard it before but treats are fine in moderation. Overall, there should be a balance.
Your diet ideally should include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Think of that quintessential food pyramid you learned about in school and try to check off something from each layer when shopping at the grocery store. The general recommendation is to have half of your plate be some mixture of fruits and veggies, ¼ whole grains, and another ¼ protein.
If you manage to include all of the major categories – you’re golden!
Support a Strong Smile (+ More!) With:
1. Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that everybody knows is good for your bones. Naturally, it’s also beneficial for your teeth. In fact, tooth enamel is primarily composed of calcium. So additional amounts consumed means a strong enamel layer and better tooth decay prevention.
Our dentists suggest pairing your calcium intake with vitamin D so you can get the most out of foods that are rich in the mineral. Not only will you be keeping your teeth strong, but your bones as well!
Foods that contain calcium:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.)
- Fortified nut, soy, or oat milks
- Leafy greens (broccoli, kale, bok choy, etc.)
- Oranges or figs
- Beans or soybeans
2. Vitamin D
As mentioned above, vitamin D and calcium go hand in hand. After all, it is vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium, thus strengthening the teeth. Our bodies also produce vitamin D naturally when we’re in the sun so being outdoors is beneficial as well.
Foods that contain vitamin D:
- Eggs
- Fish (i.e., salmon)
- Fortified milk or orange juice
- Portobello mushrooms
3. Phosphorus
Admittedly, phosphorus might not spring to mind when you’re considering . However, it doesn’t mean it isn’t crucial in its own right. For instance, did you know that our bodies already contain decent amounts of phosphorus and the majority of it can be found in the teeth?
Calcium once again comes into play as it works with phosphorus to build and protect enamel. Keep your child’s baby teeth and your adult teeth healthy with protein-rich foods that contain phosphorus.
Foods that contain phosphorus:
- Red meats
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Seafood (i.e., tuna and salmon)
- Dairy products
4. Potassium
Much like vitamin D, potassium does wonders for your bone mineral density. It also helps gum tissue heal quicker. For example, this can come in handy when your child loses a baby tooth or you experience a tooth injury.
Foods that contain potassium:
- Bananas
- Dark leafy greens
- Potatoes
- Avocados
- Prunes
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese
5. Vitamin C
Your gum health greatly benefits from vitamin C. Not only does it help strengthen gums, but it also does the same for all soft tissue in the mouth. Having strong gums means teeth stay in place and the risk of gum disease is reduced.
Foods that contain vitamin C:
- Citrus fruits
- Peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli and spinach
- Berries
Eat With Your Teeth in Mind
Our , agree that indulging in certain foods is fine every once in a while. The issue lies in overindulgence. A diet high in sugar or salt can compromise your picture-perfect smile over time. Call Romeo Family Dentistry at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment and get a cleaning scheduled.