Your diet must be balanced with a proper amount of minerals and nutrients so that your body remains strong and healthy enough to fight off infections. The key is balance: an excess or deficient amount of any nutrient can potentially harm the body, particularly the mouth and teeth, and may promote oral disease and infection. If you incorporate the appropriate amount of nutrients into your diet, however, vitamins and minerals serve specific purposes throughout your body and can greatly enhance your oral and overall health. Today, Lake Orion dentist Dr. Greenfield explores which vitamins and minerals in particular are good for your dental health.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Oral Health
- Iron A lack of iron can cause oral sores, fungal infections of the mouth, swelling and redness of the tongue, and a burning sensation on the tongue and in the mouth. Foods that are rich in iron include liver, red meat, some nuts, bran cereals, and spices.
- Calcium Calcium keeps teeth and bones healthy. A calcium deficiency could lead to gum disease and tooth decay, as well as osteoporosis. Calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, oysters, and beans.
- Vitamin B Folic acid (Vitamin B-9) is essential in the formation of red blood cells. A lack of folic acid could cause burning mouth syndrome. Deficiencies in other types of vitamin B can lead to fungal infections in the mouth, canker sores, halitosis (bad breath), and taste bud degeneration. Several types of vitamin B that can be found in a wide array of foods, including chicken, fish, spinach, pasta, bagels, and almonds.
- Vitamin C Vitamin C is essential for the successful formation and maintenance of collagen in gum tissues. If you lack vitamin C, your gums may bleed easily and become irritated. Acquire vitamin C by eating dark green vegetables, peppers, cantaloupes, strawberries, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.
- Vitamin D Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and the formation of strong, healthy teeth and bones. A vitamin D deficiency could cause burning mouth syndrome and could promote gum disease. Sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, cereals, sunlight, and milk.
Schedule a Visit
Besides eating a proper diet, you must brush twice daily, floss daily, and attend regular dental checkups every six months to ensure optimal oral health. To , call our Lake Orion, Michigan, office at (248) 693-6213. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.
