Is Eating Fish Good for Your Teeth and Gums?
Posted on: 14 November 2018
You probably know a fair bit about foods that are bad for your teeth and gums. If you're conscious about looking after your oral health, you avoid eating a lot of sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
However, while not eating bad things helps keep your teeth and gums in good nick, actively eating good stuff can give them an extra boost. For example, eating fish regularly can give you some oral health benefits. What are they?
Fish is Rich in Vitamin D
Fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel, contain a lot of vitamin D. This vitamin is good for your teeth. It doesn't do much on its own, but it helps your body absorb calcium.
Calcium keeps your teeth strong and healthy. It also plays an important role in general bone health. Your teeth are supported by your jaw bones, so it's important to keep these bones strong. If you don't get enough calcium, your bones get weak and can't give your teeth the support they need.
Eating fish more regularly helps keep your body topped up with vitamin D. This, in turn, makes sure you get enough calcium to keep things ticking over.
If you have kids, then getting them to eat fish may also reduce the chances they'll have dental decay. According to some studies, vitamin D helps keep children's teeth healthy.
Fish Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fatty fish also contain omega-3 fatty acids. While you may know that omega-3s are heart-healthy supplements, you may not realise that their benefits can have positive impacts on your gums as well.
Omega-3s have some anti-inflammatory benefits. If your diet is rich in these fatty acids, then you give your soft tissues some protection against inflammation. This benefits your gums by keeping them healthy.
Additionally, if you do develop gum problems or gum disease, then getting enough omega-3s in your diet may help you manage the problem. For example, if you have gum disease, your gums will be inflamed and sore. Eating foods that contain fatty acids, like fish, could reduce this inflammation and help you sort your gums out more quickly.
Bear in mind that eating more fish isn't enough on its own to fix gum problems. If your gums are inflamed, then you still need to see your general dentistry professional. Fatty acids may help solve your gum problems, but you also need a treatment plan from your dentist.
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