There is a direct relationship between nutrition and your dental health. The vitamins and minerals that are consumed have the ability to strengthen or weaken your teeth and gums. By consuming a well balanced diet, you can experience the benefits of better oral health. A well balanced diet is rich in fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, meats, dairy products and whole grains. By limiting the amounts of processed and sugary foods, the health of the teeth and gums is enhanced. In oral health, cavities and gum disease, as well as many diseases of the mucous membrane, tongue and salivary glands, are infectious. These oral infections not only disrupt the integrity of the oral cavity, but can also affect general health.
If there is a deficiency of vitamins and minerals in your diet, the body’s ability to fight infections may be seriously tampered with. Infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis- a bacterial infection that destroys tissues and bones which support the teeth- can be detrimental to your overall dental well being. A healthy immune system is required in order to fight infections.
Calcium is an important mineral as it is used in the building of bones and strong teeth and also the bone that holds teeth in place. A diet lacking calcium makes one susceptible to conditions such as tooth loss. It is obtained from dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C also plays a major role in oral health. It helps to strengthen the body’s immune system in addition to being a good antioxidant. An average person should consume at least a single orange per day. Inadequate vitamin C will make the body more likely to develop gingivitis. This is a mild form of periodontal disease that causes the gums to be painful and also cause bad breath.
Drinking a lot of water keeps the mouth moist and helps to ward off tooth decay and gum disease by washing away food and neutralizing plaque. If juices or other drinks are consumed, they should at least be followed up with water. The acids in juice, as well as the sugars, can cause tooth decay if allowed to sit on teeth too long.
This article clearly shows the strong relationship between nutrition and dental health. By ensuring that your diet is rich in healthy foods and you drink enough water each day, you teeth and gums will always be healthy.