A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.

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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

Vitamin E And Your Dental Health

Bella Snyder

You only have one set of natural teeth and gums, so it's important to do all that you can to keep them healthy. One aspect of maintaining good oral health is achieving good nutrition – and vitamin E is one nutrient that your teeth and gums absolutely need. Here's a closer look at this vitamin and how it impacts your dental health.

What role does vitamin E play in maintaining oral health?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. This means that it protects the body's tissues from free radical damage that could lead to cancer. Effectively, an adequate vitamin E intake can reduce your risk of oral cancer. It can also help prevent damage to your gums when they come into contact with cigarette smoke and other damaging substances. This nutrient also plays a role in regulating the immune system, helping your body fight off the bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

What are the signs of vitamin E deficiency?

Signs of vitamin E deficiency are not isolated to the mouth, though patients who are deficient in this nutrient may suffer from gum disease and loose teeth. Other signs include a weakened immune system, which leads to frequent colds and bouts of the flu, along with the development of cataracts, a decrease in sex drive, and the appearance of age spots on the skin.

How much vitamin E should you be eating?

The National Institutes of Health recommend that adults eat at least 15 milligrams of vitamin E per day. Breastfeeding women need slightly more: 90 milligrams per day. Consuming too much vitamin E is not known to have any serious side effects, though it may interfere with the blood's ability to clot.

What are some good sources of vitamin E?

In order to protect your dental health and overall health, it's important to monitor your vitamin E intake and make sure you're getting enough. Try plugging the foods you eat on a daily basis into an online nutrition calculator to track your intake of this and other nutrients. If you find that you're not eating enough vitamin E, try eating more of the following foods, which are high in vitamin E:

  • Dark leafy greens
  • Vegetable oils
  • Fish
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Eggs

If you do not consume enough vitamin E, you are putting yourself at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Talk to your dentist like one from Suncoast Dental Center to learn more.


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