A healthy body relies on receiving enough vitamins in order to function properly. Your mouth is no different. Some of the same vitamins crucial for optimal whole-body wellness are necessary for a healthy mouth. At our Wilmington dental office, we’re here to explain which vitamins are sure to make your smile happy.
Vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale build immunity and aid your body in fighting off unwanted infections. How does this help your mouth? Very similarly, in fact. A diet rich in vitamin A promotes healing and keeps gums healthy. It’s also helpful in saliva production which rinses away food particles and bacteria.
Vitamins that fall within the B family help you keep calm and ease stress. They also are a natural anti-inflammatory. Receiving enough B vitamins can decrease tongue inflammation and even keep canker sores or other mouth sores away. Get yours by eating chicken, fish, or spinach.
Another immune booster, vitamin C is also essential for healthy gums. It can reduce gum inflammation by helping to repair the tissues that surround the teeth. Not enough vitamin C can actually increase the risk for gum disease, so make sure you eat your broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits.
D vitamins help calcium absorption. Without your D vitamins, the calcium that builds strong bones and teeth can’t be absorbed, and bones are left to deteriorate. A lack of D vitamins can also cause dry mouth or create a metallic taste in the mouth. Both of which are pretty unpleasant.
Vitamins are received through the foods we eat, and if your diet includes an adequate amount of dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, you just may be getting all you need. But sometimes a well-balanced, healthy meal isn’t so easy to come by. That’s when you may be lacking some crucial vitamins and a supplement may be needed. However, before starting a vitamin supplement routine, it’s best to consult your physician.
Eating well is only part of getting your mouth in its healthiest state. You still need to follow a oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing every day and maintain regular dental checkups. At our dental office in Wilmington, we’re always accepting new patients and would love the opportunity to help you smile. Give us a call today!
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!