Amore Dentistry
Nutrition, Vitamins and Minerals
Food is Medicine
As a holistic dental practice, we do not simply treat your oral symptoms: we also consider your whole body health.
Many dental concerns are rooted in systemic health, so we must also look at nutrition when treating your teeth.
A CLEAN, BONE-BUILDING DIET
Dr. Amore advocates for a clean diet centered around organic or home-grown, unprocessed foods, while avoiding:
Soda
Candy
Frozen meals
Canned foods
Breakfast cereals
Fast food
Reducing wheat-based products, bread and gluten
She recommends incorporating fresh, whole foods such as colorful vegetables, fruits, lean meats, pastured eggs and butter, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, olive oil, fermented vegetables, and fresh filtered water into your diet.
GUT HEALTH
Dental decay and gum disease often indicate systemic dysbiosis, meaning the normal flora or bacteria that protect our skin and line our GI tract (including the oral cavity) are out of balance.
To help restore this balance, incorporating fermented foods like sauerkraut into your diet can be beneficial. Fermenting vegetables at home is simple, and the results can be stored in your refrigerator for months, providing a long-lasting source of healthy bacteria.
The Role of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is crucial for regulating over 2,000 genes and supports all bodily organs and processes, including the immune system. Unlike a typical vitamin, Vitamin D acts as a hormone and is primarily produced through solar radiation.
However, modern diets and lifestyles often lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, supplementing with Vitamin D3, regardless of diet and sun exposure, is vital for long-term health.
How to Ensure Adequate Vitamin D Levels
The most effective method is supplementation under controlled supervision. Current dosage recommendations may be too low, focusing only on bone health rather than overall well-being. For optimal health, aim for a lifelong Vitamin D blood level of 50-80 ng/ml.
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is also essential, as it works synergistically with Vitamin D to ensure proper calcium distribution, helping to prevent arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis by directing calcium to bones rather than vascular walls.
Recommended Supplementation
MK-7 (the most active form of Vitamin K): 100 µg
Vitamin D3: 10,000 I.U.
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Supplementation
Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining dental health and supporting the various functions of the oral cavity. Here's how key vitamins contribute to oral well-being:
Vitamin A
Role: Supports the health of mucous membranes and the skin inside the mouth.
Benefits: Helps maintain healthy gums and tissues, promotes proper cell growth, and supports immune function.
Sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver.
Vitamin C
Role: Essential for the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the structure of gums and other oral tissues, strengthens our immune system, promotes bone formation, weekend diseased/degenerated cells
Benefits: Prevents gum disease (gingivitis), reduces inflammation, and aids in healing of oral tissues.
Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin D
Role: Enhances calcium absorption and regulates bone metabolism.
Benefits: Strengthens teeth and bones, supports the immune system, and helps prevent conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Sources: Sunlight exposure, fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and supplements.
Vitamin K2
Role: Works in conjunction with Vitamin D to manage calcium distribution in the body.
Benefits: Prevents calcium buildup in blood vessels and ensures proper calcium incorporation into bones and teeth, reducing the risk of dental issues and bone loss.
Sources: Fermented foods, such as natto, and animal products like cheese and eggs.
Magnesium:
Role: essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a key role in maintaining bone and dental health, muscle function, nerve function, and energy production.
Benefits: Supports the mineralization of teeth, helping to prevent tooth decay and maintain strong enamel.
Sources: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, spinach, swiss chard, and kale, quinoa, and whole, black beans, chickpeas, and lentils, and salmon, avocado, bananas, and dark chocolate.
Omega 3:
Role: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a critical role in reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular and brain health. They are also important for overall cellular health and function.
Benefits: Reduces inflammation in the gums, helping to prevent and manage periodontal disease.
Sources: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout, chia seeds and flaxseeds, walnuts
Vitamin B Complex
Role: Includes several vitamins that are vital for oral health.
Benefits:
B1 (Thiamine): Supports nerve health and may help prevent oral infections.
B2 (Riboflavin): Maintains healthy tissues in the mouth.
B3 (Niacin): Helps prevent and manage oral inflammation.
B6 (Pyridoxine): Supports immune function and helps with tissue repair.
B12 (Cobalamin): Essential for healthy nerve function and helps prevent oral mucosal lesions.
Sources: Whole grains, meats, eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens.