We all have access to our fair share of pumpkin dishes and drinks during the holiday season, but it's a good idea for your oral health to include this seasonal vegetable in your diet throughout the year.
Whether you eat the flesh or the seeds, pumpkin provides many essential vitamins and minerals that can help you maintain a healthy mouth and body.
Vitamin C
Pumpkins contain plenty of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant known for its healing properties. The vitamin aids in the production of collagen, which strengthens your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth. The stronger your gums, the more they can fight disease and help protect your tooth roots.
Zinc Zinc is essential for replenishing the lining of your gums, particularly the areas closest to your teeth. In addition, zinc can help reduce demineralization of your teeth and may possibly help remineralize them, decreasing your risk of tooth decay substantially.
Vitamin A
The pigment in pumpkin is known as beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in your body. This vitamin is essential for saliva production to counteract harmful bacteria in your mouth. Vitamin A also aids the healing process for oral wounds or damaged gums.
Magnesium Magnesium works in correlation with calcium to strengthen your teeth and bones, with about one ounce of pumpkin seeds fulfilling 35 percent of your daily need for the mineral. In addition, magnesium activates many B vitamins and makes teeth more durable by helping to strengthen your enamel.
Iron Also found in pumpkin seeds, iron helps keep your gums and tongue healthy by preventing anemia, which can damage the tissues in your mouth.
Antimicrobial Properties
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antimicrobial agents that slow the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth, decreasing your risk for tooth decay.
It's always good to know what foods and beverages can improve your oral health. For more information on ways to adjust your diet to support your dental care, contact our office at (469) 649-0699 to schedule a consultation.
We all have access to our fair share of pumpkin dishes and drinks during the holiday season, but it's a good idea for your oral health to include this seasonal vegetable in your diet throughout the year.