Important Nutrients for your Teeth

Did you know that its estimated that 75% of the American population over the age of 35 have gum disease? It’s a pretty shocking figure if you think about it. So, you’re brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and you even use an oral irrigator. What else can you do for your teeth and gums so that you don’t become a part of that statistic? We’ll tell you. Make sure you get these nutrients in your diet or supplement.

Vitamin D – One of the most important. It supports the immune system and decreases inflammation. You can get Vitamin D from the sun, organ meats, fatty fish and chicken. This vitamin is important for more than teeth and gums, and a simple blood test can determine if you have adequate levels or if you need to supplement your diet.

Vitamin A – A deficiency in this vitamin can weaken your immune system, setting the stage for gum infections. Food sources include fish, eggs, yams, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, green leafy lettuce, corn, bananas, watermelon and grapefruit.

Vitamin C – Essential for producing healthy connective tissue which keeps your teeth in the socket. Vitamin C is found in broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, kiwi and grapefruit.

Coenzyme Q10 – This antioxidant rich nutrient is effective at healing gum tissue. Research has shown that CoQ10 can reduce the signs of gum disease including bleeding, inflammation and pocket depth. Food sources are meat, organ meat, fatty fish (sardines, herring, salmon, tuna and mackerel).

Folic Acid – This B vitamin keeps your mouth healthy by promoting healthy cell growth of the gums and surface tissue. You will get this from eating leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and legumes.