5 TOP VITAMINS AND MINERALS FOR IMPROVING DENTAL HEALTH

LEARN WHICH ARE THE KEY VITAMINS, MINERALS AND NUTRIENTS YOU NEED FOR HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS

People don’t always consider the use of vitamins and minerals to improve dental health. However, they can have a considerable impact both in terms of prevention and in ameliorating any dental issues you may already have.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is crucial for healthy gums and lack of this vitamin is often associated with periodontal disease (gum disease).

Vitamin C is an antioxidant which boosts your immune system, helping to tackle the bacteria that can attack gums.

We also need vitamin C to make collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides a flexible matrix in teeth and which promotes remineralisation. You also need collagen for healthy strong bones supporting the teeth.

Look for a vitamin C supplement that also contains bioflavonoids, as these nutrients have a synergistic effect and boost the impact of vitamin C in the body.

Any signs of gum disease need to be checked out by your dentist. Book an appointment at our dental clinic Parramatta.

CALCIUM

Teeth and bones both have a regular turnover of cells and require a constant supply of calcium and other minerals.

Osteoporosis often leads to fractures in legs, arms and hips but it can also lead to jaw bone damage, which severely impacts oral health and of course, your quality of life.

If you do take a calcium supplement, avoid formulations that contain calcium carbonate as this is less well utilised by the body. Other nutrients help to support the uptake of calcium into teeth and bones so it’s worth taking a combination supplement that contains minerals such as vitamin D, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, phosphorus and vitamin K.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium plays an important role in dental health and lack of this mineral is associated with gum disease.

It aids the absorption of calcium into teeth and bones to provide the correct balance of minerals.

It also helps relieve nervous tension, improve sleep and has a relaxing effect on muscles. So if you are prone to teeth grinding at night (bruxism) and general clenching of teeth in the day, you could benefit from a daily dose of magnesium.

If you’re taking a calcium supplement, make sure you’re taking magnesium as well.

PROBIOTICS

Astonishingly, we have billions of bacteria living on the surfaces of our teeth. We need to keep these numbers down with effective tooth brushing. See our dentists at our Parramatta clinic if you are unsure about correct tooth brushing techniques.

While we want to keep bacterial numbers in check, we also need to promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth as the ‘good’ bacteria help keep less beneficial microbes at bay.

Probiotic supplements do not directly change oral bacteria, but your mouth is part of the digestive system, so improving overall gut flora balance has a positive knock-on effect on the mouth.

Probiotics also boost the immune system and reduce inflammation so have a very positive effect on dental health.

FISH OIL

The omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oils have potent anti-inflammatory properties, acting as a natural way to put the brakes on our own inflammatory processes.

Inflammation is an important factor in dental problems, particularly periodontitis, and research has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids help prevent this infection and reduce its impact.

Our Parramatta dentists will be able to identify signs of inflammation in the mouth that could lead to gum disease.

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