You may not be surprised to learn that your body requires a specific cocktail of nutrients to operate properly. Consequently, your mouth is no exception. Many people are familiar with what they should avoid to keep their mouths healthy, such as excessive sugar and acidic foods. However, fewer people realize that some foods are essential to your continued good oral health for the nutrients that they supply, which your teeth need to stay strong and cavity-free.
Eating for Stronger, Healthier Teeth
- Calcium—Calcium is essential to your body for a number of reasons, mainly its ability to keep your bones healthy and strong. Since your teeth are embedded and supported by your jawbone, its strength is essential to retaining your natural smile. Calcium also benefits your teeth directly by contributing to the formation of enamel—the strong, highly mineralized layer that covers and protects them. Maintaining an adequate supply of calcium helps keep your enamel strong and decreases your risk of developing cavities or suffering from cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.
- Vitamin D—Also known as “the sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is necessary for your body to absorb and utilize calcium, which you have to ingest through your food and beverages since your body doesn’t produce the mineral. It is also partly responsible for cell growth and the regulation of your immune system, and studies have shown that vitamin D can produce potent antimicrobial peptides that help fight the oral bacteria responsible for gum disease.
- CoQ10—Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a vitamin-like coenzyme that extracts energy from your food to provide your cells with the fuel they need to perform vital biological functions. It also serves as an antioxidant that helps fight harmful oral bacteria to protect your dental health.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
