Are you consuming the nutrients you need for good oral health? Believe it or not, our dentists at Oakvillage Dental can often spot a potential nutritional imbalance by examining your oral cavity. Because oral tissues are sensitive to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, gum disease, for example, can reflect an inadequate intake of folic acid, iron, or zinc. Here are a few important vitamins and minerals that you need for healthy teeth and gums.
Calcium
Your bones and teeth are primarily made of calcium, making it an essential nutrient for normal growth and development. A diet lacking calcium can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. It’s important to note that calcium is not just for kids. As an adult, you need calcium to prevent osteoporosis, bone fractures, and to maintain strong bone around your teeth.
Most children and teens are not getting enough calcium according to Statistics Canada. Calcium consumption is especially important because of critical bone growth.
Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all good sources of calcium, but it is also found in beans, oysters, broccoli, and tofu. You’ll never outgrow your need for calcium.
Iron
Insufficient iron creates an inadequate supply of healthy red blood cells, causing anemia. Symptoms of anemia sometimes show up in your mouth first. If you have ever had a sore in your mouth or an inflamed tongue, an iron deficiency may be the problem. Foods rich in iron are red meat, seafood, and pork, green leafy vegetables, raisins, iron-fortified cereals as well as beans and certain nuts.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
If you are struggling with sores in your mouth and frequent bad breath, you may have a low niacin level. Your doctor may encourage you to eat more chicken, fish, milk, eggs, and green leafy vegetables to increase your levels of niacin.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B12 and B2)
A lack of Vitamin B12 or B2 can also result in mouth sores. Good sources of these vitamins are nuts such as almonds, dark green vegetables like spinach, and fortified pastas, and bagels.
Vitamin C
When your diet lacks vitamin C, your ability to fight infections is compromised so you may experience bleeding gums, and existing gum disease could worsen leading to loose teeth. A deficiency can also result in weakened tooth enamel. Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and cantaloupes are good sources of vitamin C as well as red peppers, broccoli, and yams.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important to your diet because it helps you absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, you may experience an uncomfortable burning in your mouth and tongue, and your mouth may seem very dry with a metallic taste. Drinking milk, and eating egg yolks and a variety of fish can help boost your levels of vitamin D.
Nutritional imbalances can have serious consequences to your general health and your oral health as well. So, see your dentist at Oakvillage Dental right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of a nutritional imbalance in your mouth. Eat a balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups to ensure that you are consuming all the vitamins and minerals you need for healthy teeth and gums. Remember, prevention is always the best medicine.
Here at Oakvillage Dental, we treat you like we would treat our own family. We strive to make your dental experience comfortable and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.