Healthy Teeth and Gums Can be Yours (Part One)

Having healthy teeth and gums is an important aspect of overall good hygiene.

Who does not want to have a beautiful smile and a mouth that is glowing with health and wellness? What many people fail to realize is that oral health goes far beyond having a lovely smile and being able to properly chew your food. Having good oral health contributes to a better quality of life for you.

Reasons Why Oral Health is so Important

Here are a few of the reasons why oral health is so significant. First of all, every tooth has a reason and a purpose. Each tooth plays a role in proper alignment of all of your teeth and each one plays a role in terms of chewing and talking. Individuals who have loose or missing teeth may be limited in what they can eat because biting into certain foods may cause them pain and discomfort. Examples of this include a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not getting enough of these foods can lead to a poor diet and malnutrition. This is also the case for many people who wear dentures.

Most adults report that having a nice smile lends itself to a more appealing physical appearance overall. When looking at a person’s face the focus is often the smile. If the smile is pleasing to the eye then all the better!

Recent research studies have discovered that periodontal disease has been linked to many serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and stroke. For those who are not aware of what periodontal disease is, it is a chronic bacterial infection that when left undetected destroys both the supporting structures of the teeth as well as the gums. Tooth decay and periodontal disease are the number one causes of tooth loss in older individuals.

Nutrition for Healthy Gums and Teeth

Diet plays an integral role in the health of your teeth and gums. Eating a well balanced diet of nutritious foods can help to reduce the potential that you will develop any number of problems in your mouth. Here we describe some essential nutrients for your oral health.

Vitamin C

One of the most important nutrients for healthy teeth and gums is vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to stimulate the immune system in order to fight bacteria. It also reduces inflammation and helps to heal the gums. According to the Institute of Medicine, everyone needs to consume approximately 60 mg of vitamin C a day which works out to be equal to one orange (or thereabouts).Besides oranges, the best sources of vitamin C include berries, melons, broccoli, and spinach.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral that helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Not getting enough calcium can serve to weaken the teeth as well as the bones that hold them in place. Taking in enough calcium especially in your developing years is very important as it helps to build density in the alveolar (jaw) bone. Consume more calcium by eating more dark leafy green vegetables and low fat dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that works in tandem with calcium to keep both the bones and the teeth as strong as possible. To make sure you are consuming a plentiful supply of magnesium eat such things as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.

To learn more about how to have healthy teeth and gums continue on to part two of this post.

Samantha