Nutrition and your Oral Health
We touched before the fact that there is a wide range of foods that could affect your overall dental health, specially your gums or enamel (the protective layer of your teeth). Is important to note that poor nutrition will exacerbate current conditions like periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and something our dentists in Cancun can help you with. Beside the obvious influence on all kinds of infectious diseases in the body, one must get the proper amount of minerals, vitamins, proteins and fats essential for the growth and regeneration of tissues and to allow the immune system be in the best condition to fight all types of pathogens.
It’s well known that carbohydrates, protein and fat provide the energy to keep your cells “running” and make up for the building blocks of new tissue. Minerals and vitamins are also very important for the creation of enzymes and chemical reactions. Here we will give you a small run down of their job in your body.
Vitamin D: This vitamin will help you absorb much needed calcium for your bones. Is not commonly known, but a deficit of vitamin D can lead to burning mouth syndrome (dryness, metallic taste, burning sensation). Vitamin D sources include fish, egg yolks, milk and healthy amount of sunlight (always avoid staying too long under sun without sunblocker to protect yourself against UV rays and skin diseases).
Vitamin C: Make sure to get enough vitamin C to prevent bleeding gums (scurvy) and other complications. While most animals can synthesize their own vitamin C, human bodies must get them from their food. Make sure to eat crucifeorus vegetables (Kale, broccoli and brussels), as well as sweet peppers and, of course, oranges. Keep juices to a minimum for the same reasons stated on our previous article.
Vitamin B12: Also known as riboflavin is important for the blood. Low levels of B12 can mean anemia and also affect the nervous system. In the case or oral health, deficit of B12 can also provoke mouth sores. Eat enough fish, liver, chicken, red meats to get your recommended daily doses.
Niacin: It might be surprising, but lack of niacin can cause canker sores and bad breath! Chicken and tuna are the best sources of niacin.
Iron: Iron is used for many things in your body, and its deficiency could cause mouth sores, tongue inflammation and anemia. Good sources of iron include nuts, bran cereals and red meat.
Calcium: Last but not least, calcium should be one of the most important elements on your diet if you want to keep your oral health, specially for women entering menopause or who are pregnant. With age, the chance of the developing osteoporosis increases so its essential to keep your bones with enough calcium to prevent loosing your teeth too quickly.
Be sure to follow check our next article on nutrition. If you want to know more about what our dentists in Cancun Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you call toll free from USA and Canada 1-800-701-6039, or if you are already on vacation in Cancun and want to meet us, you can call us for an appointment at the following local number (998) 1-40-51-25.