Maintaining a healthy diet is good for your overall well-being, but you may not realize how crucial it is for oral health. At Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, in Wilmington, DE, we emphasize how nutrition affects dental health and promotes strong teeth and healthy gums.
Let’s take a look at dental nutrition, including which foods to choose and which to avoid, and their role in helping you achieve a healthier smile.
Essential Nutrients for Dental Health
- Calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt help maintain strong, healthy teeth to prevent tooth decay.
- Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and is essential for healthy bones and strong teeth. You can find vitamin D in fatty fish like tuna and salmon, cod liver oil, and exposure to sunlight.
- Phosphorous works with calcium to strengthen tooth enamel and is found in dairy, red meat, poultry, and nuts.
- Vitamin C helps keep gum tissue strong and healthy, preventing gum inflammation and bleeding. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are excellent sources of vitamin C.
- Foods high in fiber, such as apples, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, neutralize acid in the mouth by increasing saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth and reduces the risk of cavities.
Foods to Avoid
Just as certain foods boost dental health, others can harm it. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in the mouth that lead to tooth decay. Limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as soda and citrus juices, as they can erode tooth enamel.
Learn More about Dental Nutrition
Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet and avoiding sugary snacks and acidic drinks enhances your dental health and promotes stronger teeth and healthier gums. For more tips on dental nutrition or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Bruce E. Matthews at (302) 475-9220.