Nutrition plays an important role in overall wellness, including oral health. Eating well and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing problems in your mouth, including periodontal disease.
- Lactic Acid and Calcium: Most people know that dairy products can help build strong bones. This, along with an active lifestyle that includes routine exercises, can help you enjoy good quality of life as you age. After all, strong bones in the rest of your body means strong bones holding and supporting your teeth.
- Vitamin D: Sometimes known as the “sunshine vitamin” can help lessen inflammation associated with periodontal disease.
- Vitamin C: This essential vitamin may do more than just fend off the sniffles. It may reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
- Healthy diet: There may be more reasons to watch what you eat other than maintaining a healthy weight. Studies indicate that obesity may be linked to periodontal disease. Obesity can be a result of an unbalanced diet, which may lack the nutrients known to help prevent gum disease. Also, excessive consumption of sugary drinks and foods high in sugars, trans fats, and sodium, are associated with increased tooth decay and have a negative impact on periodontal health.
Without the proper nutrients from a healthy diet, the body can have a hard time fighting off infections such as periodontal disease. Remember, eat right to smile bright!
