Here at Trillium Dental, we’ve already covered many of the best foods for your teeth, but to help those who want a better understanding of those foods, today’s blog covers the nutrition your teeth and their supporting periodontal structures need to thrive, and why they help your dental health. For cutting-edge, professional dental care, we offer a range of services from teeth whitening to teeth cleaning, Invisalign®, and a range of other general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.
FLUORIDE, CALCIUM, AND PHOSPHOROUS
Unlike much of your body, your bones and teeth are made of minerals, and need mineral deposition to stay strong. In particular, teeth require fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus. Since your bone and tooth enamel is the hardest part of your body and in constant use, it needs to be rebuilt constantly to remain strong. Chemically, the structures these minerals form in your teeth can be damaged or weakened by contact with high-acid foods and drinks. Providing a consistent amount of enamel reinforcement is very key to allowing the structures to be rebuilt.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is key to helping your body absorb Calcium and function when used. Without it, the calcium you take would be essentially useless and simply pass through your body and would not be able to bind to your bones. This is why dentists advocate exposure to sunlight and certain foods to maintain the ability to grow bone density and healthy, strong enamel.
VITAMIN C
This vitamin is important in helping strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and helps reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation can help to protect gums while healthy blood vessels are key for transporting nutrition and blood effectively, which promotes healthy infection-fighting and bodily maintenance. In addition, vitamin C is necessary for your body to produce collagen, an important protein for fighting periodontal diseases. Even seemingly benign periodontal infections can have long-lasting and widespread consequences for your health.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants refer to a category of substances that inhibit the chemical process called oxidation. In the body, oxidation produces free radicals that can cause chain reactions that damage cells. The most popular antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, and catechins. Some free radicals are ok and are even produced by the body viruses and bacteria. In excess, they can contribute to cancers and heart disease. Antioxidants help to fight bacteria that cause inflammation and periodontal disease, as well as contribute to the prevention of oral cancer.
PROBIOTICS
These are essentially bacteria that can take up a similar niche as bacteria that are more associated with harm to your dental and oral health. Intaking foods with healthy probiotics has a range of bodily health benefits. According to a study in the European Journal of Dentistry, there is a range of benefits for your oral health from ingesting regular probiotics such as reducing plaque adhesion, increased periodontal disease resistance, and reduction of inflammation and tissue damage.
ANTHOCYANINS
Most people haven’t heard of this nutrient, as it’s a bit different than most. These make up the pigmentation in blueberries, raspberries, black rice, and a range of other red, purple, blue, and black fruits and vegetables. Evidence from research done by Ohio State University, suggests that these nutrients can reduce the risk of oral cancers and the attachment of plaque to teeth.
L-ARGININE
According to a study from Albert Ludwigs University, this amino acid inhibits bacteria growth, actually changes the metabolism of bacteria that cause cavities, and disrupts the formation of plaque on enamel. In addition, it’s one of the essential amino acids for humans and contributes heavily to recovery from burns and certain other types of tissue and organ damage.
POLYPHENOLS
Technically these are a structural class of molecules that in the human body. The polyphenols found in tea, berries, flaxseed, and cocoa disrupt bacterial growth which can help prevent plaque, periodontal disease, cavities, and bad breath.
IRON
Although it’s relatively rare for iron deficiencies to can cause sores and inflammation in the mouth that can increase the risk of periodontal infections. However, be careful when supplementing iron as most people have healthy levels and too much iron can heal to heart issues especially for young men. Consult a doctor if you think you may have an iron deficiency.
We hope that this guide to nutrition and dental health helps you build a basic understanding of better dental health habits and why a complete and balanced diet is important. For more information check out our blog on oral health-friendly foods. If you are in the Ottawa area, Trillium Dental offers professional dental services in our relaxed yet cutting-edge dental offices. We offer Invisalign®, teeth whitening, general check-ups and more for our patients, and include periodontal and oral cancer checks with each visit. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!