Good oral health is vital for your overall health and well-being. Poor oral health can increase your risk of developing other serious health conditions. Taking care of your oral health can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and more.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants and may help strengthen teeth by protecting them from harmful toxins. It can be found in lemon, orange, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberry, tomato, pineapple, broccoli, chili pepper, papaya, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, and more. While vitamin C can help offset the effects of oral bacteria when eaten regularly, it is important to remember not to eat citrus fruits or juices right before or after brushing your teeth. This is because the acid in these foods can harm tooth enamel. Also, keep in mind that high doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
In addition to eating these fruits or vegetables raw, they are also delicious, chopped up, and added to salads, cereals, smoothies, yogurt, or juice for a refreshing treat! Just make sure to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something acidic to prevent damage to the enamel.
Vitamin D
Raw fish, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products are rich sources of vitamin D. This vitamin is critical for the body to maintain healthy bones and teeth because it is needed to absorb calcium from the diet. Many people do not get enough vitamin D in their diet alone, so supplementation may be necessary. It is important to discuss vitamin D supplements with your dentist first to ensure that you are getting the correct dosage to strengthen your teeth without causing side effects like nausea or constipation.
In addition, your body naturally produces this vitamin when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Without an adequate amount of vitamin D in your diet, you may be at risk for gum disease
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, but many people still aren’t getting enough of it for strong teeth and healthy bones. That’s because minerals like calcium aren’t stored in your body – they’re absorbed through diet. Good sources of calcium include dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, as well as green vegetables and almonds.
If you think you might not be getting enough calcium in your diet, talk to your dentist about supplementing with over-the-counter supplements that can provide you with a convenient dose of this essential mineral. Your dentist can also recommend dietary changes that will help in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. For example, eating an apple after a meal that contains dairy can help increase the strength of your teeth by aiding in the digestion of nutrients.