Beans: Eating for a Beautiful Smile

How do beans affect your oral health?  Well, specific vitamins and minerals are vital to healthy teeth and gums.  Those include calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B, C, and D.  Beans are chock-full of every single one of these vitamins and minerals.

Let’s discuss how each of these vitamins contribute to a beautiful smile.

Calcium

If you do not get enough calcium, you are at risk for gum disease and cavities.  That’s because your teeth and bones are made mostly of calcium.  Calcium combined with phosphorous makes up calcium phosphate – another name for the dense, hard material that is your teeth and bones.  So you can see that calcium directly affects the strength and appearance of your teeth and bones.  It is a myth that calcium must come from dairy.  There are plenty of healthier ways to get plenty of calcium. Beans are an excellent source.

Iron

Iron deficiencies aren’t uncommon. Oral signs of an iron deficiency include the formation of sores inside your mouth and in some cases, an inflamed tongue.  Beans are rich in iron.

Vitamin A

Beans are rich in Vitamin A, which has a lot to do with the health of your skin, teeth, and gums.  The antioxidants in Vitamin A help destroy free radicals that cause decay.  Vitamin A = healthier skin, teeth, and gums.

B Vitamins

Symptoms of not enough B vitamins (B3, B2, and B12 are found in beans) include bad breath and canker sores.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps your body absorb iron (see above) and promotes healthy teeth and gums. A Vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums and loose teeth, among other things.

Vitamin D

We’ve all heard that we get Vitamin D from being in the sun, and that’s true, but beans also contain Vitamin D.  Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium (see above).

On top of all of these vitamins and minerals – which directly affect the appearance and health of your teeth – beans are high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, and low in fat and contain no cholesterol.  Making beans a regular part of your diet will improve the health and appearance of your entire body.  And a healthy, attractive body gives you one more reason to smile confidently!

As always, if you live in or around the Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Roswell areas, and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Roberts, call 678-319-0123 or email us today.