4 Adjustments to Your Diet that Can Help Improve Dental Health

We all know that flossing and brushing are the best ways to keep our teeth healthy and strong. However, the food you eat is also a very important part of achieving and maintaining good dental health. Cutting back on sugar, increasing your daily water intake, and making sure to include certain vitamins and minerals in your diet are vital to a healthy smile!

4 Adjustments to Make to Your Diet to Improve Dental Health

1. Sugar – Sugars are the number one cause of tooth decay. When plaque mixes with sugar, it creates an acid that slowly eats away at the tooth enamel, causing dental cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections. Avoid eating too much sugar or drinking sugary drinks and soda.
2. Water – Drinking water is not only good for the body, but helps to wash away sugars, acids, and plaque that have begun to build up in the mouth. It’s even more beneficial when the water contains the right amount of fluoride. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride is “nature’s cavity fighter.”
3. Vitamin C – Gingivitis can lead to gum disease, which is painful and can cause the loss of teeth. Luckily, vitamin C protects against gingivitis while also strengthening gums and all the soft tissues of the mouth. You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits and potatoes.
4. Calcium & Phosphorus – Lastly, calcium and phosphorus have both been shown to promote strong, healthy teeth. For calcium, make sure you’re eating plenty of dairy, including milk, yogurt, and cheese. Broccoli is also high in calcium. For phosphorus, make sure to include seafood in your diet, as well as soybeans and lentils.

Your diet is an easy and effective way to maintain the health of your gum tissue and teeth. Here at Coastal Periodontics, your gum health is important to us. To learn more, please contact our Portsmouth, New Hampshire periodontics office.