Oftentimes when we get advice on how to clean, fix, or bolster our teeth, it always leads to going to the dentist, brushing them, flossing, and avoiding sugar. These options really are the best in terms of handling dental problems or avoiding issues down the road. It comes as no surprise that these are the most often repeated words of wisdom over other alternatives. But what about those alternatives? What are they and how can you use those in the off chance that you’re already doing the other things? Diet is a huge one that doesn’t go mentioned as often as it should. By eating and drinking better things, you not only directly benefit the rest of your body but you also bolster your teeth and gums. With that said, here are a few items that will get your dental health back on track and ready to ward off anything bad down the road. WaterSure, this is essential for us as it is. But it actually goes a long way to help dislodge particles of food in our teeth, sort of like a natural mouthwash. Additionally, it keeps our mouths from drying out, which helps saliva to stay active, and we all know saliva is essential for cleaning our mouths and breaking down food. Water’s a win win for our teeth and gums. Leafy greensThese are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, all extremely beneficial vitamins for the health of your teeth and gums. Additionally, when you chew leafy greens, they help to dislodge other pieces of food that may be stuck in between teeth. Citrus fruitsVitamin C in particular is super friendly to your gums for strengthening them, repairing them, and cleaning them. Just as well, the citric acid that comes off of them can give your teeth an initial “cleaning” of sorts by eating away at food and bacteria in your teeth. Just remember to wash it down with water after eating it so that the acid doesn’t sit on your teeth and begin wearing your enamel away. FishCalcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin D are just a few vitamins and minerals that fish can provide for your teeth and gums. You were probably aware already that fish had many nutritional benefits, but if you’re trying to cut back on meats in your life, substitute it with fish and seafood and you’ll be doing yourself even more favors.
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You’ll often see people taking vitamins for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they’ll say it’s just for general health. Other times, it’s specifically for a disease, a condition, a deficiency, or even for regrowth of something. But what about supporting your teeth and gums? What key ingredients help with their strength and healthiness? Below we’ve got the key vitamins that help support your dental health and what sorts of foods and drinks contain them. Vitamin D This allows your body to actually absorb the calcium we just mentioned, which allows your bones and teeth to become more dense. Not that you’re eating it or anything, but sunlight allows your body to automatically make vitamin D. But, fatty fishes (like salmon and tuna) and portobello mushrooms have quite a bit of this vitamin in them. Sometimes other foods or drinks have extra vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, and cereals. Vitamin K Rather than helping to build up your teeth, it disallows substances to break down your teeth. So rather than being a part of your teeth, it’s more like a barrier. Without this, you’re more likely to bleed and your body can’t heal as well. So, if you’re looking to combat gum disease, vitamin K is a big winner. Leafy greens have lots of vitamin K, especially kale, spinach, and collard greens. Parsley, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts also do the job quite well. Green, green, and green is what to remember for vitamin K. Vitamin C This is a big one for strengthen gums and other soft oral tissues you have. It also helps to protect against gingivitis and prevents your teeth from becoming loose. Citrus fruits, potatoes, and leafy greens (boy, they sure are packed with all sorts of vitamins, aren’t they?). These are your clear winners for vitamin C, with citrus at the top. Vitamin A Your mucous membranes benefit a lot from vitamin A, as it helps to prevent your mouth from becoming dry and allows your soft tissues to heal quicker). Fish and egg yolks have a lot of vitamin A, so load up on those. Again, leafy greens do wonders here, and orange-colored foods are great at providing it: apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots, oranges, and sweet potatoes. Basically, beta-carotene is found in all of these foods, which your body then converts into vitamin A. Get plenty of those and your mouth will thank you.
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