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The best vitamins and supplements for oral health

Part of being a great dentist is helping your patients make the right lifestyle decisions for strong oral health. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy takes more than just a toothbrush and a spool of floss.

Here are some food and supplement suggestions to consider recommending to your patients.

Vitamin A for healthy saliva production

Explaining the importance of saliva in controlling bacterial growth might get patients to reach for a carrot instead of a candy bar. Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A along with leafy greens, fish and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C protects your gums

Vitamin C is a good for overall oral care as it can keep gums from bleeding. Remind your patients of its benefits and encourage them to eat plenty of citrus and berries. Lesser known sources of Vitamin C include broccoli, peppers and kale.

Vitamins B and E

Both B and E Vitamins combat mouth inflammation of all kinds. Almonds and spinach are good sources of both.

Fluoride the all natural way?

If you’ve got a patient that’s on the fence about the benefits of fluoride, help them protect their teeth by eating plenty of seafood and drinking black tea.

Calcium and Vitamin D for healthy enamel

Dairy, leafy greens, broccoli and legumes are all good choices for boosting calcium in your diet. Calcium can also be taken as a supplement. When the weather outside is gloomy, encourage patients to reach for milk, fish, eggs or cod liver oil.

Trace amount of iodine

Patients who use iodized salt should get plenty of iodine for better calcium absorption. If not, recommend seaweed, sesame seeds, garlic or shellfish.

Potassium to fight tooth decay

Avocados are a good source of potassium, which helps fight tooth decay. Cheese, milk, yogurt and bananas are good too.

The cavity fighting power of zinc

Zinc blocks the bacteria that leads to cavities. Patients an take it as a supplement or try pumpkin seeds, cashews, mushrooms or legumes. Red meat is also a good source of zinc.