02/03/2026
National Nutrition Month
“Nutritional deficiencies manifest in the oral cavity as gingivitis, bleeding gums, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, enamel hypo mineralization, cheilitis, halitosis, glossitis, and stomatitis. Poor oral health, such as tooth loss, can also impact dietary quality and nutrient intake, potentially increasing the risk of systemic diseases.”
* Cheese, milk, and yogurt are high in phosphorus, calcium, and casein, which strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay.
* Water keeps your mouth clean and washes away harmful acids that weaken enamel. It also contains fluoride that strengthens enamel.
* Crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery, and broccoli) act like natural toothbrushes, removing leftover food and bacteria. They also contain vitamins and micronutrients.
* Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are filled with tooth/gum-friendly folic acid, vitamins, minerals, and enamel-strengthening calcium.
* Chewing apples cleans teeth and lowers blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol levels, which supports heart health.
* Nuts (especially almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts) contain calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which improve tooth and gum health.
* Chewing on meats and fatty fish stimulates saliva production, which helps clean teeth. Fatty fish like salmon contain the enamel-protecting mineral phosphorus.
* Tea and coffee contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fight oral cancer.
* Strawberries and other vitamin C berries help repair gum tissue and strengthen tooth dentin. Strawberries are beneficial because they contain malic acid, a natural tooth whitener.
https://youtu.be/a-FBpUdq6m0
