Supplements to strengthen your teeth and gums

Healthy teeth and gums are imperative to our overall health. Many factors affect oral health. It is therefore important that we take care of our mouths to help reduce health problems.

National Smile Month

National Smile Month is a campaign by the British Dental Health Foundation that aims to increase awareness of the importance of healthy teeth and gums. It is the largest oral health campaign in the UK. Running from 20^th May to 20^th June, National Smile Month encourages people to:

• Brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Cut down on sugary food and drinks.
• Make regular visits to the dentist.

The vitamins

There are several beneficial vitamins for the gums and teeth. These can help to promote and maintain oral health and wellbeing.

• Vitamin A – The healing of inflamed gums can be aided by vitamin A. It helps to maintain the soft tissue of the gums. Food sources of vitamin A include beef, liver, milk, cheese and eggs.

• Vitamin B – The B vitamins are vital for healthy teeth and gums. A vitamin B deficiency can lead to toothache, oral sensitivity, and receding gums. B vitamins can be found in meat, fish and mushrooms, although the diet often does not provide adequate levels.

• Vitamin C – Due to its healing qualities, vitamin C is an essential vitamin for gum health. It also helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums by preventing inflammation, and holds antioxidant properties that can promote the formation of healthy connective tissues between the teeth and gums. Vegetables and citrus fruits contain vitamin C. Around 20% of UK adults are deficient in vitamin C.

• Vitamin D – Another essential vitamin for guarding against gum and teeth problems is vitamin D, which can help to prevent inflammation of the gums. It also aids the absorption of calcium. Deficiency in vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies in the UK. Exposure to the sun provides a source of vitamin D.

• Calcium – Calcium is an important element in producing and maintaining healthy teeth. It helps to strengthen and maintain density within the teeth. Calcium can be gained from dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese. However, these should be consumed in moderation, as they contain saturated fats, too much of which can lead to weight gain.

To combat vitamin deficiencies, a Simply Supplements Multivitamin tablet, containing vitamins A-E can provide the necessary levels. Calcium can be taken alongside this to top up levels of the bone building nutrient.

Top tips for oral health

• Brush twice a day – Brushing on a regular basis is hugely important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It is recommended that you brush for two minutes, twice a day. A quarter of UK adults do not brush twice a day. Brushing only once per day increases the risk of developing tooth decay by 33%. Manual toothbrushes should be replaced every three months.

• Floss – Using dental floss can help to remove food that can’t be reached by brushing alone. Flossing before you brush can increase the effectiveness of brushing by removing trapped food from between the teeth.

• Healthy diet – Consuming a healthy diet can help to provide the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, while moderate amounts of dairy can provide tooth-building calcium. Drink plenty of water, as this can help to keep the mouth properly hydrated and remove any excess food lodged between the teeth between meals.

• Visit the dentist – Many of us hate going, but a regular check up with the dentist can help to identify any underlying teeth problems and disorders, and enable any necessary treatment to be arranged.

What to avoid

• Smoking – Smoking not only causes an unsightly yellowing of the teeth, but the harmful toxins in cigarettes also increase the risk of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

• Sugary food and drinks – Foods that are high in sugar are bad for the teeth. Sugar causes the bacteria in the mouth to produce acid, which can cause cavities and lead to the enamel eroding from the teeth. Fizzy drinks can also cause a similar problem. Even sugar free drinks contain acidic flavourings and artificial sweeteners that can contribute to teeth problems such as dental erosion.

Avoiding excessive intake of harmful foods and chemicals, and providing the body with the essential vitamins for gums and teeth, is vital for maintaining good oral health.