Vitamins Good For Your Teeth

The link between your oral health and your diet is a little more complex than many people realize. Certain vitamins and minerals are essential to good oral health, while others can be harmful or damaging. A good diet can keep your teeth and gums healthy, while a poor one can do the opposite. Here are several essential nutrients for strong teeth and a healthy mouth.

Vitamin A

Also known as retinol, this vitamin is essential for developing and maintaining teeth. It helps your body produce saliva, which washes away food particles and keeps the mouth clean. It also helps your gums stay healthy by boosting your immune system and preventing infection.

Vitamin C

This powerful antioxidant is also good for oral health because it promotes healing and reduces inflammation in your gum tissue. A vitamin C deficiency can actually increase your risk of developing gum disease.

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium, which is an essential component of healthy teeth and bones. It also strengthens teeth by supporting their enamel, a layer of protective minerals that encases each tooth.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and plays a number of essential roles, including building strong bones and teeth. When you don’t consume enough calcium, you can develop a condition known as rickets, which causes soft, weak bones and teeth.

Iron 

If your body is iron deficient, it can negatively affect the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, it can even cause tooth loss. Getting enough iron in your diet improves the health of your mouth by preventing infections and reducing gum bleeding.

Magnesium 

Like vitamin D, magnesium plays an important role in absorbing bone-strengthening calcium. Without sufficient magnesium in your system, you run the risk of developing osteoporosis, which increases your risk of tooth loss.

Vitamin deficiencies can cause your enamel to wear down over time, so it’s important to eat a healthy balanced diet, including foods that are rich in these vitamins. Some foods with calcium that you can eat include leafy greens, dairy products like cheese and milk, and almonds. Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel, as well as egg yolks. Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as in broccoli and cabbage. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, tomato juice, peppers, and potatoes. Vitamin A is most commonly found in dairy products, eggs, sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens.

In order to combat vitamin deficiency and improve your oral health, it is important to maintain a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats such as olive oil. While you can take supplements for these vitamins, it’s best to get them naturally from your food whenever possible.

To learn more, contact Dieterlen Dental at 3015 E. 91st Street, Tulsa, OK 74137, or call (918) 299-2400.