A good oral health program includes sound nutritional habits. What you eat can make a difference in your general, as well as your dental health. Many of the foods that help you maintain strong bones and muscles also help maintain strong healthy teeth and gums. Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc are all important for strong teeth and bones. Iron, vitamin C and the B vitamins help maintain healthy gum tissues.
Proper nutrition is also essential in preserving the immune system.
A deficiency in certain nutrients can compromise immune function and increase the risk of infection. While such a deficiency alone cannot cause gum disease, it will increase the rate of destruction and the severity of the disease.