Discover the benefits of taking folic acid for dental health. This article discusses how folic acid is related to dental health and its benefits for your teeth.
Folic acid is commonly prescribed for pregnant women, but did you know this nutrient plays a crucial role in maintaining good dental health? Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin that helps the body make new cells.
Women should consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This can be reached with a well-balanced diet or by taking supplements.
Studies have shown that deficiencies in folic acid increase the risk of tooth decay.
The Benefits of Folic Acid for Dental Health
Folic acid is a vital nutrient for dental health, offering many benefits that prevent oral health problems. Here are the benefits of folic acid for your dental health.
It helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease
According to research, folic acid helps prevents gum disease, a condition that affects approximately half of the adults in the United States. The disease results from the buildup of plaque on teeth, which causes inflammation and infection in the gums. This can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Folic acid help reduce inflammation in the gums and promotes the growth of healthy new cells.
Prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria
A Journal of Clinical Periodontology study found that people who took folic acid supplements had less gum bleeding and inflammation than those who didn’t.
Prevents Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Folic acid prevents gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis). When bacteria in the mouth overgrow, they produce acids that cause inflammation and infection in the gums. Folic acid helps reduce this overgrowth by promoting a healthy immune system.
Increased salivary flow
Folic acid increases salivary flow, preventing tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Improved healing after oral surgery
Folic acid improves healing after oral surgery, such as dental implant placement or tooth extraction.
Protects Against Oral Cancer
National Cancer Institute found that consuming more folic acid had a lower risk of developing oral cancer.
How to Increase Folic Acid in Your Diet
To incorporate more folic acid into your diet, eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, fortified cereals, and foods rich in this essential nutrient. The recommended daily intake of folic acid for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg), but pregnant women may need more. You can also take a supplement if you’re not getting enough folic acid from your diet.
Other Ways to Promote Dental Health
While folic acid help prevents gum disease and other dental issues, you should practice good oral hygiene.
This includes:
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly.
- Flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria in the mouth.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
Can Low Folic Acid Affect Your Teeth?
Recent research shows that low levels of folic acid can harm dental health. Studies have found that people with low folate levels are more likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.
Low levels of folic acid affect the strength and structure of teeth. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found people with low levels of folic acid had weaker, more brittle teeth prone to decay and other damage.
You should get enough folic acid in your diet to prevent these dental health problems. If you have concerns about oral health or folic acid intake, talk to your dentist or healthcare provider for nonprofessional guidance.
To incorporate more folic acid into your diet, eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and foods rich in this essential nutrient. Consider taking a folic acid supplement to ensure you get enough of this vital nutrient for optimal dental health.
The Connection Between Folic Acid and Oral Cancer Prevention
Oral cancer affects the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks. It is caused by abnormal growth of cells in the mouth and throat. Luckily, research suggests that folic acid deficiency risks development of oral cancer.
This nutrient reduces the risk of developing oral cancer by preventing the growth of abnormal cells in the mouth. It promotes the repair and regeneration of healthy cells in the mouth, eliminating cancerous cell growth.
How to Incorporate More Folic Acid into Your Diet for Better Dental Health
Adding folic acid to your diet enhances better dental health.
Here are ways to incorporate folic acid into your diet.
- Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables. Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are great sources of folic acid. Incorporate them into your diet through salads, smoothies, or sautéed dishes.
- Add fruits to your diet. Fruits such as oranges, bananas, strawberries, and papaya are good sources of folic acid. Add them to your breakfast or as a snack.
- Choose fortified grains. This includes bread, cereal, and pasta. Check the labels of these products to ensure that they contain folic acid.
- Eat more nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds, like almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, are good sources of folate. Add them to your diet as a snack, salad, or stir-fries.
- Take supplements. Consider taking a folic acid supplement if you can’t get enough of this through your diet. However, consult your healthcare provider first.
The Importance of Folic Acid for Pregnant Women’s Dental Health
Pregnant women should have good dental health as they are more susceptible to cavities. They should take a supplement with folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc. These nutrients prevent tooth decay-causing bacteria.
Take Folic Acid to Enhance Your Dental Health
Folic acid supplements have several benefits for your teeth. However, it should not be a substitute for brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for checkups. You should also consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.
A balanced diet that includes folic acid-rich foods promotes overall dental health. The body uses folic acid to make healthy new cells in your mouth, teeth, and gums. Lack of these essential vitamins leads to gum disease or tooth decay. You can get folate in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and beans. If that’s not enough to meet your needs, take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid.
