The state of your dental hygiene is primarily linked to your eating habits accompanied by taking the time and responsibility to properly clean your teeth. Here is a look at how that works, followed by summaries of four of the best nutritional supplements supportive of good dental hygiene.
A Word on Nutrition and Dental Hygiene
According to the American Dental Association, there is a clear relationship between one’s nutritional habits, and their dental and oral health. Epidemiological research has shown that there is an influence of nutrition upon the health of the oral cavity. Bodily concentrations of various vitamins and nutrients are believed to be a factor in oral health. The importance of nutritional considerations for oral health is elevated when certain medical conditions and life phases come into play, as is the case for elderly individuals who have lost teeth.
Calcium is at the forefront of nutritional factors for dental hygiene. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, and is at the top of our list. Supplementing with calcium and/or other pertinent supplements can support dental hygiene and potentially prevent periodontal disease.
Four Supplements for Dental Hygiene
Calcium and the other three supplements discussed here all have properties which can benefit dental hygiene medium- to long-term. Always remember that these are an addendum to healthy dental hygiene practices, and not a replacement for them.
Calcium in abundance in the body is essential for maintaining strong teeth. It is of particular importance for the preservation of tooth enamel over time. Enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that prevents decay and the formation of cavities. Ensuring your body’s calcium levels by supplementing with calcium will help keep your teeth strong for a long time. Calcium also helps neutralize harmful acids in the mouth which contribute to enamel decay.
B Vitamins: The B vitamins family is important for oral health in multiple respects. Without enough of them, oral health issues such as toothaches and receding gums can occur. A supplement containing most or all of the B vitamins can support oral health, and reduce the risk of these issues developing.
Potassium, like calcium, is a mineral which is essential and necessary for strong tooth enamel. Therefore, supplementing with potassium could help prevent tooth decay.
Zinc is a metal that is your body simply has to have, and in small amounts (too much zinc is not better for you), but some do not get enough of it. Zinc is helpful particularly for teeth because it helps combat cavity-causing bacteria that could be present in the mouth. Upping your zinc intake could help work against these bacteria and reduce risk of cavities.
Dental hygiene is important, and if you’ve ever had even one cavity, you know the cost, and occasional pain (toothaches, anyone?) of not practicing it. These four supplements provide an easy and convenient way to enhance your dental hygiene in the long term, in tandem with consistently cleaning your own teeth. It’s recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.