Along with brushing, flossing, and dental appointments, maintaining good oral health is all about your lifestyle habits. Proper eating is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums as explained by a dental office in Hackensack, NJ. If you live in the Hackensack NJ area, you should learn what foods and drinks can promote oral health and improve the strength of the teeth. This article delves into the crucial link between nutrition and oral health and emphasizes the top foods you should consume for more robust teeth.

Link Between Nutrition and Oral Health

Your diet also plays a role in the health of your teeth and gums. A poor diet can result in oral problems like caries, periodontal disease, and halitosis. On the other hand, a healthy, balanced diet full of the necessary nutrients (such as protein and potassium ) can prevent these issues while also benefiting the teeth and gums. Some of the relevant nutrients to tooth health care are: calcium; phosphorus; vitamin D; vitamin C; and fluoride.

• Calcium: Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy teeth and bones. It aids in the hardening of tooth enamel and strengthens the bone of the jaw, minimizing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Phosphorus: It helps to work with calcium to restructure the enamel in your teeth, helping to build healthy teeth. And it aids in the safe upkeep and fixing of teeth.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is required for absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It helps preserve bone density strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of gum disease.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for keeping gums healthy. It dissolves collagen, a protein that helps keep the structure of gums and other tissues in place. Important for preventing bleeding, vitamin C also lessens the risk that gums will get infected and inflamed due to its antioxidant properties.
• Fluoride: Fluoride — a naturally occurring mineral that works to protect against tooth decay by making the tooth enamel stronger, and reducing the ability of acid from the plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth to undermine teeth.

Tooth Supporting Foods

Adding certain foods to your diet can promote oral health since they contain vitamins and minerals that strengthen your teeth and gums. Some of the best foods to eat include:

• Dairy Products: Great dairy sources of calcium and phosphorus include milk, cheese, and yogurt. Cheese, in particular, boosts saliva production, which neutralizes acids in the mouth and cleanses teeth.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, and vitamins that promote healthy gums and teeth. They also aid in saliva production, which protects your mouth from cavities.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, nuts, and sesame seeds are rich sources of calcium, phosphorus, and other valuable nutrients. They also encourage saliva production and help clean teeth by scrubbing away food debris.
• Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D, which plays a role in calcium absorption. These fish are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help boost gum health.
• Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, and phosphorus. They provide strong teeth and support oral health.

Eating well is a fundamental component of your oral health. The addition of nutrient-dense foods into your nutrition can offer improved strength for your teeth, better gum health, and lower risk of dental problems. A healthy and brighter smile starts with adopting a balanced diet and ensuring good oral hygiene for those who live in and around Hackensack, NJ. If you have questions about how your diet is impacting the health of your mouth, or if you’re looking for more curated advice, please consult with a trusted dentist near you. Your mouth is an essential part of your overall health, so making these changes will only be beneficial for years to come.