Some dental emergencies are more common than others. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about how to handle common dental emergencies before you can make it to the dentist. With the right response, a dental emergency won’t become a crisis.
Everyone knows that having a healthy, balanced diet can do wonders for your body. But, did you know that incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet can also boost your oral health? It’s the truth! If you have a primarily vegetarian diet, chances are your smile is strong, healthy, and durable against many dental problems. Your Plano dentist at Dental Renaissance, either Dr. Pollard or Dr. Patel, wants you to know the benefits that come along with eating more natural foods that provide the vitamins and minerals your teeth and gums need.
When you think of eating for your teeth, calcium is probably one of the first things that pop into mind. Throughout the body, the mineral helps build bones and provide structural support. In your mouth, calcium helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jawbone, which is great for the longevity of your smile.
In addition to milk, good sources of calcium include cheese, yogurt, broccoli and salmon.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium while at the same time boosting bone mineral density. It’s important to consume enough vitamin D to get the most out of your calcium intake. They go hand in hand.
Your body naturally makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight, but the vitamin can also be found in fatty fish, canned tuna and portobello mushrooms. You can also look for foods and drinks that have been fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice and cereal.
Just like vitamin D, potassium improves bone mineral density. It also works with magnesium to prevent blood from becoming too acidic, which can pull calcium from your bones and teeth.
In most patients minds, bananas equal potassium, but that’s not your only available source. Other fruits and vegetables with high levels of the mineral include lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados and prunes.
Phosphorus supports calcium in building strong bones and teeth.
Luckily, phosphorus is found in a wide range of foods. Rich sources of the mineral can be found in seafood. If you like scallops, sardines, cod, shrimp, tuna or salmon, you’re in luck. If you’d rather get your phosphorus from plant-based foods, consider soybeans, lentils and pumpkin seeds. You can also find phosphorus in beef, pork and cheese.
This vitamin acts as a shield for your teeth. It also helps your body produce osteocalcin, a protein that supports bone strength. A vitamin K deficiency can slow down your body’s healing process and make you more likely to bleed, which can be complicated if you need extensive dental work.
Incorporating more leafy greens, such as kale, collards and spinach, can help you increase your vitamin K quota. Other great sources include parsley, broccoli and yummy brussel sprouts.
Vitamin C strengthen your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. Dentists love it because it helps prevent gum disease.
You probably already know that citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, but you can also find it in potatoes and leafy greens. You learn something new everyday, right?
This vitamin helps keep mucous membranes healthy, which produce natural saliva. It prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly. Find foods that contain high levels of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.
You can also find this vitamin in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens. Vitamin A can also be found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables. Think apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes.
If you need more help with keeping a good diet for the benefit of your smile, contact our office. We would be happy to give you helpful advice or schedule an appointment to meet with your family dentist in Plano.
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