Nutrient-Dense Foods For Healthier Teeth and Gums

Nutrition and dental health go hand in hand, as your teeth and gums require nutrients to sustain their optimal health and prevent tooth decay. Your oral health is a gateway to your overall health, as the mouth is a site for bacterial overgrowth that can lead to disease that affects the rest of the body. Researchers now know that periodontal disease (gum disease) is linked to heart disease. Interestingly, gum disease has also been linked to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Therefore this means gum disease can be preventable and potentially reversible with the help of nutrient-dense food.

Dental health also has a cosmetic aspect that most people value. Preserving the health of your teeth through a healthy diet can save you a lot of toothaches and emergency trips to the dentist’s office. With so many foods on the market today that only harm your teeth, it’s helpful to have healthy teeth snacks on hand.

Mineralize Your Teeth with Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the body, and it’s the main mineral that keeps bones and teeth strong and structured. It can also help remineralize tooth enamel, which is the protective layer of teeth that protects them from damage and decay.

Phosphorus is also deposited into bones and teeth to make up their structure. To get more calcium in your diet, choose dairy products, dark leafy greens, almonds, beans, and lentils. Phosphorus is found in meat, fish, dairy, nuts, and beans. Eating a well-rounded whole foods diet low in processed foods can ensure you’re getting enough of these important minerals.

Support Mineralization with Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D

Calcium is the most important mineral your teeth require. However, it can’t transport itself into dental tissue without the help of vitamin K2. Without enough vitamin D, your body can’t absorb as much calcium from the food you eat. Therefore, you want to ensure you’re eating foods rich in these nutrients as well. Vitamin D can be absorbed from sunlight. It is also acquired from dairy products fortified with vitamin D and from fish and eggs.

Eat Foods that Boost Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein found in your teeth and the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place. It’s required for maintaining tightness in the gums so that bacteria can’t colonize in “pockets” between the gums and teeth. Blackberries and raspberries have special plant compounds that increase collagen levels. Red vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and beets contain lycopene–an antioxidant that promotes collagen production.

Orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, and squash are rich in vitamin A, which restores damaged collagen. Another food that repairs damaged collagen is garlic, as it’s a rich source of lipoic acid.

Final Thoughts

Nutrition plays a larger role in dental health than most people realize. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, you risk cavities, decay, and periodontal disease, as well as a higher risk of heart disease. The food choices you make can make all the difference, as your oral health depends on vitamins and minerals that remineralize teeth and promote healthy collagen levels.

Let the professional dental team at Maiden Lane Dental help you continue your path for healthier teeth and gums. Contact us to set up and appointment for a thorough cleaning and check-up. Regular dental check-ups along with eating the required nutrient-dense foods will bring your teeth and gums to its optimal health.

Maiden Lane Dental is located in lower Manhattan, NYC. Our extremely happy patients come from the Financial District, Brooklyn, Queens as well as throughout the entire state of NY, NJ Connecticut and beyond. Contact Maiden Lane Dental to get started.