You must
include minerals and nutrients in your diet in order for the body's tissues to
resist infection. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can
have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute
to oral diseases and infection.
Which
vitamins and minerals are good for me?
There are
many minerals and nutrients that are good for the entire body. Here are just
some of the minerals and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy:
Calcium. Your teeth and jaws are made mostly
of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk
developing
gum disease and tooth decay. Calcium is found in many foods and liquids, such
as milk,
yogurt,
cheese, beans, and oysters.
Iron. Iron deficiency can cause your tongue to become
inflamed, and sores can form inside your mouth.
Iron is
found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Other iron-rich foods
include bran cereals,
some
nuts, and spices.
Vitamin B3 (niacin). A lack of vitamin B3 can cause bad
breath and canker sores in the mouth. To boost your B3 levels, eat chicken and
fish.
Vitamins B12 and B2
(riboflavin). You also
can develop mouth sores when you do not consume enough of the vitamins B12 and
B2. Red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk,
yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B2 is found in
foods like pasta, bagels, spinach, and almonds.
Vitamin C. Too little vitamin C will lead to
bleeding gums and loose teeth. Sweet potatoes, raw red peppers, and oranges are
great sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D. It is very important to consume enough
vitamin D because it helps your body
absorb calcium. A diet lacking or low in vitamin D will cause burning
mouth syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a
metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Drink milk, and eat egg
yolks and fish to increase your vitamin D intake.
Which foods may be bad
for my mouth and why?
Not all foods are good for your teeth. If you consume these
foods, do so in moderation, and be sure to practice good oral health care.
Carbohydrates. Bacteria feed on leftover foods in the
mouth and produce acid, which causes decay. Carbohydrate-laden foods, such as
chips, bread, pasta, or crackers, can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.
Sticky, chewy foods. Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans,
caramel, honey, and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult for saliva to
wash the sugar away.
Sugary snacks. Snacks like cookies, cakes, or other
desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
Gum and candy. Chewing gum and eating candy is very
harmful to your teeth. As you eat, sugar coats your teeth, which can lead to
cavities.
Carbonated soft drinks. Regular soda (or pop) contains an
extremely high amount of sugar. Both regular and diet sodas also contain
phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on your teeth (causing
them to become stained and brown).
Fruit or vegetable
juices. Fruit and
vegetable juices tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and
lead to decay.
To ensure that you're getting the nutrients, vitamins, and
minerals your body needs, check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web
site at www.mypyramid.gov.
Above article from: KnowYourTeeth.com
David J. Piroli, DDS, PA
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
(561)746-3290
1620 North US Highway 1, Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33469
You already know that in
order to avoid cavities and more serious dental problems, you have to take good
care of your teeth. But consistent brushing and flossing habits do more than
just protect your oral health — they also help keep a host of other serious
conditions at bay. Heart disease and stroke, for instance, have both been
linked to poor dental hygiene.
