Which Antioxidants Boost Your Oral Health?
Antioxidants are of great use to the body, especially the teeth. A meal rich in essential antioxidants reduces the accumulation of plaque in the oral cavity, improves collagen synthesis, and prevents gum disease.
However, you must maintain a good balance of oxidants and antioxidants for excellent oral health. There are thousands of antioxidants present and they may come in different forms such as enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. The body naturally produces some antioxidants, while others you ingest through food and drinks. Here are the antioxidants that boost your oral health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known for its numerous benefits to teeth and the oral cavity and is often used by dentists to treat or manage oral problems, specifically those related to the gums. It does this by fighting bacteria and boosting the immune system. Tartar is a leading cause of bleeding gums because it causes separation between the root of a tooth and the gum, and bacteria finds nesting grounds. To revert or avoid this, you must eat foods rich in vitamin E. The most common and readily available vitamin E sources are vegetables such as broccoli, olives, leafy green vegetables, sunflower seeds, corn, soybeans, oatmeal, walnuts, apples, and wheat.
Vitamin C
Recent studies show that people who consume reduced amounts of vitamin C (60mg daily) are at risk of developing infections and inflammations, commonly known as gingivitis. Vitamin C plays the role of maintaining and repairing the connective tissues in the mouth to strengthen the gum. Lack of this essential antioxidant could also cause bleeding gums and weaken the enamel, thus inducing teeth loss. The solution to all these is to take lots of citrus fruits, green vegetables such as spinach and asparagus, berries, cantaloupe, kiwi, green pepper, cauliflower, parsley, watercress, and fresh soya.
Vitamin D
We are all conversant with the essential benefits of vitamin D to the body, helping the body in calcium absorption, which is a fundamental mineral for the bones and teeth. This much-needed vitamin and antioxidant keep the teeth strong and free from inflammations, gum disease, and loose teeth. Experts say that basking under the sun for 15 minutes twice a week is an excellent way of taking in vitamin D. Additionally you can take foods such as Margarine, milk, eggs, fish, and cod liver oil.
Selenium
Selenium is known for its ability to replace Sulphur in the collagen bonds that are essential to the tooth matrix. This, in turn, keeps teeth free from dental caries, especially for children. Foods such as garlic, chicken, brown rice, eggs, wheat germ, and seafood are rich in selenium. They should be a part of your diet if you are looking to reap the oral benefits of antioxidants.
At River Valley Smile Center, we offer professional consultation and guidance to clients on dental nutrition, including antioxidants. Learn more about which antioxidants boost your oral health. Call us today via 479-646-0706 or visit our Facebook page to book an appointment with us.
