Most people know that visiting the dentist is an essential part of caring for their teeth. Regular checkups and cleanings are, of course, very important. But what some people don’t realize is that good dental hygiene starts long before you get to the dentist’s office. You may be saying, “I know, it starts with my toothbrush and floss.” But actually, oral health begins even before that. A healthy smile starts at your grocery store.
Dental checkups can detect problems early on and address them, but only good nutrition can give your teeth and gums the healthy foundation they need. If your diet is rich in tooth-friendly nutrients, you will be less prone to gum disease, tooth decay, and even jawbone loss.
So, which nutrients are the most important? Here are a few tooth-building superstars.
Calcium:
We all know that calcium builds strong bones and teeth. Most expectant mothers are even aware that the calcium-rich foods they eat during pregnancy will ensure that their babies develop strong, healthy teeth later on. But did you know that calcium is important to your teeth long into adulthood?
On its “Milk Matters” page, the National Institutes of Health tells us that calcium can protect teeth against decay. Furthermore, a 2001 study published by the US National Library of Medicine found that elderly people who had adequate amounts of calcium in their diets were more likely to retain their teeth as they aged.
Good sources of calcium include yogurt, cheeses, milk, and leafy green vegetables. If you can’t get an enough calcium from your diet alone, talk to your doctor about adding a calcium supplement.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because your skin can synthesize it during exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D could also be called the healthy smile vitamin. It not only helps your teeth, but it also keeps your gums healthy. Another study published by the National Library of Medicine has shown a connection between low levels of dietary vitamin D and gingivitis. People in the study who had more of the vitamin in their diets had healthier gums.
While most of us get plenty of vitamin D from sun exposure, people who live farther from the equator may need to take a supplement during the winter months.
Vitamin C:
Long ago, British sailors were called “Limeys” because their superiors made them eat limes on long ocean voyages. Why? Because limes are rich in vitamin C and without it, the sailors got scurvy and often lost their teeth. While there’s little danger of developing scurvy today, a study in the year 2000 of people who ranged in age from 20 to 90, showed that vitamin C is still necessary for healthy gums. People in the study who had the lowest dietary intake of this essential vitamin were at the highest risk of gum disease.
Vitamin C is perhaps the easiest of vitamins to get from your diet. Rich sources include strawberries, apricots, oranges, lemons and, of course, limes. Red and yellow peppers also have lots of vitamin C, as do tomatoes and brussel sprouts.
Never put off regular dental checkups and cleanings, but in between appointments, watch your diet. Making sure these essential nutrients are a part of your daily intake will ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be.
This August marks the 34th anniversary for our hygienist Wanda. We are so lucky to have so many dedicated and loyal long term team members. Wanda has been with us the longest. I have been fortunate to know Wanda for all these years as I grew up around the practice with my dad, Dr. Dalseth. Wanda has two grown boys and this fall the youngest will be getting married, her and her husband are so excited for Bryce to start the next chapter in his life.
Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease in which only your gums are affected. Gingivitis, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), is a milder and often reversible type of periodontal disease. However, it can lead to periodontitis — a more destructive and serious disease — if proper professional treatment and home care aren’t put into place. No tissue damage or irreversible bone damage is present in the gingivitis stage of periodontal disease.
Brushing your teeth every day keeps them cleaner, improves your breath, and reduces plaque buildup. But did you know that there may be a connection between your dental health and chronic illness? Some scientific evidence suggests that poor dental health may be linked to cardiovascular disease. Although more research is needed to explore this association, it provides yet another reason to brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
At Dalseth Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that oral health is just one part of overall wellness. Studies show that lack of proper oral hygiene can be linked to systemic disease, low birth weight babies, and potential cardiac disease. The body can also have a effect on the oral cavity. For example, diabetes can cause in increased risk of periodontal/ gum disease. A lot of different medications can effect our mouth most importantly causing dry mouth and thus putting us at risk for cavities, such medications may include those for high blood pressure, depression, and cholesterol.
Dentistry and medicine exist together and it is important that your dentist be aware of any and all medications that you are taking, including supplements such as St. John’s Wart. A person’s medication levels can be affected by antibiotics, local anesthetic, and even the things you eat and drink. A prime example is grapefruit juice and its interaction with cholesterol lower drugs like Zocor and Lipitor.
Quick, think of your favorite movie star. Now picture their smile or just grab the latest edition of a celebrity gossip magazine. Chances are their teeth look straight. Most of the people gracing the magazines have porcelain veneers to get that straight, super bright smile, while some have had either braces or Invisalign. Veneers don’t actually straighten your teeth; they just appear that way. While I love treating patients with veneers, there is no substitute to actually straightening your teeth. If you’re looking in the mirror right now and you see crooked teeth, read on, it may just save your smile!