The nutrients we consume in our daily lives are the building blocks of our body. A healthy and balanced diet can help support teeth in several ways, some of which act as building blocks, and some help to strengthen the functions that our mouths serve. Here are some dietary tips that may promote good oral health:
- Eat foods that are rich in calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral that helps build and maintain strong teeth. Good sources of calcium include dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt), leafy green vegetables, almonds, and fortified foods
- Boost vitamins D and K2: Anthropologic research by Weston Price helped to identify “Activator X” as being crucial for the formation of jaw and dental structures. We now now understand Activator X to be vitamin K2, and taking this in conjunction with vitamin D is vital in the shuttling of dietary calcium to the bones.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks, such as candy, soda, and sports drinks.
- Include crunchy fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth. They also help stimulate the process of mastication, or chewing, to ensure the muscles and ligaments are functioning optimally.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Water also helps keep the mouth hydrated and stimulates saliva production.
- Choose foods that are high in vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for healthy gums, which are necessary for strong teeth. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, and broccoli
Other practices such as “oil pulling,” which is a way of moving oil throughout your mouth and spaces of your teeth, is an easy and natural way to cleanse the oral cavity of sugars and food buildup.
And of course, our nutrition is not just for us, but also for our oral microbiome. The foods we eat also help to support a healthy microbiome, and in particular, avoidance of sugary foods and unhealthy practices such as smoking can help to promote a diverse and supportive microbiome environment.
Overall, a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can help support teeth and promote good oral health.