Maintaining Healthy Teeth
Teeth are durable; Once a child's adult teeth have all fully grown in, they are designed to last a lifetime. However, tooth decay is very common. To avoid tooth decay, one crucial thing you can do is keep your
teeth clean. Brushing your teeth carefully and with proper technique twice a day is the gold standard for keeping teeth clean. Flossing is also critical for ridding plaque from between your teeth.
Although regularly going to the dentist is commonly recommended, some people avoid the dentist for one reason or another. Having to get "numbed up" is one reason, as is the sight of dentist's drills. However, you need to grin and bear it (showing off your good teeth, right?)
Visit your dentist quickly whenever you experience these symptoms:
- red or tender gums
- bleeding gums
- chronic bad breath
- over-sensitivity to cold or hot
Nutrition and Health Teeth
Your diet affects your body in a multitude of ways; It's a no-brainer that the foods you eat also affect your teeth. Sugary sodas, sweets, and non-nutritious snacks are a primary cause of
tooth decay. Limiting their intake and brushing after use will promote tooth help.
Additionally, drinking water regularly and eating a balanced diet containing proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is recommended for general
tooth health.
Supplements for Tough, Healthy Teeth
The vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you consume can have a notable – and positive – impact on the toughness and longevity of your teeth. Here is a list of some of the most worthwhile supplements to bolster your tooth health.
Calcium - is important for overall bone health. Because teeth are part of your skeletal structure, calcium is important for tooth health. Getting enough calcium in your diet helps keep your
teeth strong. For those who might not get enough calcium from the foods they eat, supplementing with a calcium supplement can be worthwhile for promoting the longevity of your teeth.
Potassium - is very important for the health of your teeth (and other bones), largely because of its role in working in tandem with calcium in your body. Potassium is absolutely necessary because it helps deliver other nutrients, such as calcium, to where they need to go. Without enough potassium, calcium and other critical nutrients would not be as beneficial as they could be after you consume them.
Vitamin A - is beneficial for the unique role of boosting saliva production. Saliva actually helps to clean out particles that might collect between teeth. This occurs in tandem with its role in beginning the digestion process, so that foods are broken down properly in the mouth before entering the digestive tract. Consider a Vitamin A supplement to support saliva production, and for proper dispensation of food and bacteria from your teeth after chewing.
Phosphorus - like potassium, is integral in helping absorption of other nutrients such as calcium. In turn, phosphorus helps promote strong teeth and bone health. Phosphorus is commonly found in many protein-rich foods such as meat, and can also be found as a supplement, often combined with calcium.
Magnesium - is necessary for tough teeth because it helps promote the
health of enamel, the tough substance on the outside of your teeth. Without proper care, enamel decays over time, and further damage and decay is more likely to occur.
Zinc - helps to get rid of bacteria that
cause cavities. The build-up of bacteria is a leading factor in tooth decay, in addition to sugar consumption and lack of dental hygiene. Getting enough of bacteria-fighting substances such as zinc is helpful in diminishing the formation of bacteria between brushings, and in promoting tooth longevity.
