To reduce your risk of gum disease, you probably focus on good oral hygiene. More specifically, you always try to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily and rinse as needed with a good mouthwash. However, did you know that you can do the same with foods and drinks? It’s true — getting the proper nutrition from your diet can make your gums stronger and healthier. To learn more, here are five vitamins and minerals you should get to prevent periodontitis.
Calcium
You probably already know that calcium builds up your bones and provides structural support. You might not know, though, that it hardens your enamel and strengthens your jaw!
The most obvious sources of calcium are milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Still, you can find it in broccoli, salmon, and more.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D works to absorb calcium (see above) while also boosting your bones’ mineral density, so it’s an essential part of a gum-friendly diet.
Your body naturally produces vitamin D when you’re exposed to sunlight, making it one of the benefits of tanning. Even so, you’ll get more of it from foods and drinks such as:
- Fatty Fish
- Canned Tuna
- Portobello Mushrooms
- Milk
- Orange Juice
- Cereal
Vitamin A
This particular vitamin helps keep mucous membranes healthy. Consequently, it prevents dry mouth and helps your oral cavity heal quickly.
Foods known to have it are fish, liver, spinach, kale, collard greens, apricots, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Fruits and veggies, especially, have high levels of beta-carotene that your body converts into vitamin A.
Vitamin C
The C vitamin strengthens your gums and soft mouth tissues, making it great for fighting gingivitis — the first stage of gum disease. It even keeps teeth from loosening.
Thanks to decades of advertising, you likely know that vitamin C is in orange juice. However, it’s also in potatoes and leafy greens.
Potassium
Similar to vitamin D, potassium improves bone density. Plus, it works with magnesium to keep your blood from getting too acidic, which would leach calcium from your bones and teeth.
Bananas are probably the best-known example of a potassium-rich food, but there are others. The mineral is in lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, and even prunes.
You don’t have to rely just on regular brushing and flossing to keep your gums safe. Eating stuff rich in the above nutrients can keep the pink around your teeth strong and secure.
About the Practice
Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry is based in Fayetteville, NC. As led by Dr. Angela C. Ruff, their team strives to provide the best treatment and care possible. Provided services include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, with a special focus on patient comfort and amenities. They’re skilled in everything from periodontal therapy to dental implant restorations. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (910)-630-6199.