As you grew older and became more involved in your dental care, you may have realized that much of what you eat can significantly influence your oral health. However, you may not realize that your eating habits can prove beneficial to your smile, too.

Much like the rest of your body, your mouth needs the right combination of minerals and nutrients to remain healthy. Today, we explain what you should include in your diet to help ensure a healthy smile.

Good Dental Health Nutrition

Calcium

When it comes to healthy nutrition, calcium is something of a superstar. The mineral is essential to forming and maintaining bone structure, as well as the tooth enamel that protects your teeth. Unfortunately, calcium is not naturally produced by your body and must be consumed through your diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as most meats, can help you maintain adequate calcium levels. If you’re lactose intolerant or don’t eat meat, then calcium supplements may be a good idea, though we advise speaking with your physician or nutritionist first.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important to your oral health for a number of reasons. For one, the vitamin facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphate, both of which are critical to enamel formation. Vitamin D also produces powerful antibacterial peptides that help control the germs responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, improving your mouth’s natural defenses and reducing your risk of developing dental issues.

Magnesium

While magnesium also contributes to enamel formation, its benefits to your smile go beyond your teeth. Magnesium is needed for over 300 biochemical reactions, many of which regulate your health and immune system. This regulation helps control the inflammation behind the destructive force of gum disease and protects your mouth from extensive damage.