If you’ve poked around on Ask the Dentist much, you know that I’m a big fan of the paleo diet. And if you’re also a fan of paleo, Whole 30 or other similar eating plans, you probably eat eggs. A lot.
Dubbed one of nature’s perfect foods, eggs are the perfect, pre-packaged combination of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. There’s selenium and B vitamins, along with zinc, iron, and copper. But when it comes to dental health, vitamin K2 is the star.
Along with vitamins A and D3, K2 works to transport calcium into teeth and bones—an important part of keeping teeth cavity-free. Missing any of these nutrients can result in teeth that don’t remineralize well (as well as a higher risk of multiple systemic diseases). (1, 2, 3)
Our bodies don’t naturally produce K2 like some animals do, which is why it’s important to eat K2-rich foods like eggs. But make sure they’re pastured, as it’s the chlorophyll found in grass that allows chickens to convert their naturally-occurring K1 into vitamin K2. Grain-fed chickens don’t have this ability. (4)
And just to clarify: eggs don’t cause heart disease and may actually prevent heart disease because of the healthy fats they contain. (5)
Now, you probably already knew that eggs were good for you, even if you didn’t quite understand how they contribute to oral and dental health. What you’re probably looking for, then, is an alternative to the same ol’ scrambled, fried, or hard-boiled egg.
I like to poach eggs because this gentle cooking technique preserves more nutrients than some other methods. It also leaves a runny yolk that can then be mixed into mashed sweet potatoes, squash, sauteed greens, or any other food that needs a K2 boost.
If I’m not eating them with a side of green vegetables, like asparagus, I love to place a poached egg on top of a grass-fed burger. I replace the bun with lettuce and add a couple slices of avocado for a satisfying meal that incorporates all the foods you should eat—and none of the foods you should avoid—to optimize oral and dental health.
The best part? Poaching eggs isn’t as difficult as it seems. Let’s get to the recipe.
how to give your children extra vitamin k2—these 3 delicious ways[tasty-recipe id=”19040″]