If you go to routine dental visits at least twice a year and brush your teeth after meals, there's still more you can do to protect your oral health. Your teeth and gums need specific nutrients in order to remain healthy, and what you eat or drink can have a big impact on your oral health. While you may know to stay away from high-sugar foods and drinks to help prevent tooth decay, it's also useful to know what nutrients can help improve your oral health. When you want to protect your teeth between visits with your dentist, flossing at least once a day, and eating a well-balanced diet can make a huge difference.

What Your Gums Need to Stay Healthy

When you notice that your gums are bleeding, this means that you are at the beginning stages of gum disease. While you can reverse this through good oral hygiene, you can also help prevent gum disease by giving your gums what they need to stay healthy. Be gentle when brushing your gums, but make sure that you get the blood circulation going. If your gums are bleeding when you floss, keep flossing anyway. Talk with your dentist if the bleeding is excessive. You should be making sure that you get plenty of Vitamin C in your diet, as this helps your gums. Drinking water will help you if your mouth is continually dry, as dehydration can cause problems with your gums.

Nutrients to Protect Your Teeth

Your teeth are like bones, and therefore they need plenty of calcium in order to remain healthy. Your diet should include plenty of calcium, Vitamin D, and magnesium to help keep your mouth healthy. Calcium is found in all kinds of dairy products and fortified foods such as cereals or bread. Give your teeth the building blocks necessary in order to remain strong.

Foods that Help Clean Your Teeth

Sticky, sugar laden foods are bad for your teeth. They will stick to your teeth and remain there until you brush thoroughly. The opposite is true of crunchy, raw vegetables. When you eat crunchy vegetables, you are getting more than the nutritional value they provide. Crunchy vegetables act as a mild abrasive for your teeth, cleaning your teeth in between brushing sessions. After a meal, eating an apple can make a big difference if you aren't able to brush your teeth right away. Food can help keep your teeth clean.

For more advice on using the right foods to enhance your dental health, speak with a dentist like David Jackson, DDS.

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