The Vitamins You Need for Healthy Teeth and Gums

vitamins for healthy teeth and gums

Have you ever considered your diet’s impact on your oral health? Chances are, you know how important maintaining good oral hygiene is for healthy gums and teeth. You probably also know that too much sugar will eventually rot your teeth. However, many other foods we consume on a daily basis also have a big influence on the state of our dental health.
Vitamins are organic compounds found in certain foods that are crucial for preventing specific health issues. To maintain optimal health, we should try to include all the main vitamins in a balanced diet. If you’re worried about the health of your teeth and gums, maybe evaluate your diet to ensure you are getting enough of the following:

Calcium:

Calcium is an essential nutrient that strengthens the enamel of your teeth, which is the protective outer coating found on the teeth’s surface. Consuming enough calcium on a daily basis and maintaining good oral hygiene will shield your teeth against tooth decay and cavities.
While many people mainly associate calcium with dairy products such as yoghurt and milk, there are many other ways to meet your recommended intake through dairy-free options if you are lactose intolerant or plant-based. Good sources of calcium include nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and brazil nuts, leafy greens such as kale or broccoli, and meat alternatives like tofu.

Vitamin D:

While many people assume they can get their daily dose of vitamin D from the sun, unfortunately, living in the UK doesn’t always make this a possibility. For this reason, it’s important to incorporate vitamin D into your diet to ensure your intake is sufficient. A vitamin D deficiency can have disastrous consequences for your oral health and could result in tooth decay and gum disease.
Good sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, red meat, oily fish and certain breakfast cereals. If you follow a plant-based diet, we recommend looking into supplementation to ensure you are getting enough nutrients.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C strengthens your gum tissue, ensuring that your teeth stay firmly in place. Chronic vitamin C deficiency can induce scurvy, which causes bruised and bleeding gums. If you notice that your gums are frequently bleeding, we recommend seeing a dentist to ensure you’re not lacking vitamin C in your diet.
This vitamin can be found in fresh fruit and vegetables, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwi and broccoli.

Phosphorus:

Most of the body’s phosphorus is used to strengthen your teeth and bones. Calcium cannot do its job without the assistance of this essential mineral.
Phosphorus can be found in seafood, chicken, red meat and dairy. Alternatively, vegans can find essential phosphorus in nuts, seeds and legumes.

 
Contact Epsom Smiles for Expert Dental Guidance

If you are concerned that you or your child is suffering from a certain deficiency, it’s always worth getting in touch with experts for guidance. The dental team at Epsom Smiles will be more than happy to recommend foods and discuss whether or not you would benefit from taking supplements. 

Don’t leave your perfect smile waiting. Get in touch today using the form on our website or ring us on 01372679192.

 

Recommended Posts