3 Vitamins You Need For Ongoing Dental Health
Posted on: 14 March 2018
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Your teeth are a vital part of your body, and to keep them healthy, you need to take in certain nutrients. Calcium is probably the best-known of these nutrients, but there are also plenty of vitamins you need on a regular basis for strong, healthy teeth and gums. Here's a closer look at three of them.
Vitamin B3
Also known as niacin, this vitamin is known to help control the levels of bacteria in your mouth, which will prevent mouth odors and also help prevent tooth decay. It also helps keep your gum tissue healthy and resistant to gum disease. Niacin is found in plenty of foods, but unfortunately, they are foods that some people do not eat enough if. Leafy greens, poultry, and eggs are good sources. So, if you do not eat a lot of salads or if you follow a vegan diet, you may be deficient in niacin and should talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, so if you take in too much, it is passed out in your urine -- and there are few risks.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C also keeps your gums healthy to prevent gum disease and mouth sores. Additionally, it strengthens your immune system, which makes you better able to fight off the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Oranges are well known as a good source of vitamin C, but they are far from the only source. Green veggies like broccoli and spinach are also packed with vitamin C, as are other fruits like strawberries, cherries, and blueberries. If you eat a few servings of fresh fruits and veggies each day, chances are good that you're meeting your vitamin C needs.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body lay down calcium in your teeth, strengthening your tooth enamel and making it more resistant to decay. This vitamin is unique in that your body makes it when exposed to the sun. So, to get more vitamin D, focus on spending a few minutes outside every day with your skin exposed. Don't spend too much time -- you don't want to put yourself at risk for skin cancer. If you live in a cloudy area, you may want to take vitamin D supplements instead or eat more foods that are rich in vitamin D, like fortified milk and fish. Your body can absorb the nutrient from food -- there just are not that many foods rich in vitamin D.
For more information, contact a dental office like Elizabeth Loseke DDS.