Vitamins, Minerals AND your teeth

Have you ever considered how vitamins and minerals affect your teeth?

We’re all aware of how bad sugar is for teeth, and we know to avoid acidic food and drinks, but what can we eat to make our teeth stronger?

Consuming a broad range of vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining our overall health. There is a range of vitamins and minerals that are especially important for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

Here’s some information about the eight most important vitamins and minerals.

⭐Calcium

Calcium is a vital component of healthy teeth and bones. Consuming the right amount will help maintain the strength of your teeth and is particularly important for growing new teeth, so children especially need to monitor their calcium intake.

Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt are abundant calcium sources. Plant based options include soy products, leafy greens, nuts and beans.

⭐Potassium

Similar to vitamin D, Potassium helps improve your bone mineral density. This mineral will help keep your teeth strong and also contributes to keeping your blood from becoming overly acidic, a complication of which is a loss of calcium from bones and teeth.

Bananas are probably the best known source of potassium but it’s also present in potatoes, avocados, tomatoes and prunes.

⭐Vitamin D

Vitamin D has many benefits, most importantly it increases the body’s ability to absorb calcium. It increases teeth and bone mineral density, and is essential for strong, healthy teeth and bones.

The easiest way to get your daily does of vitamin D?  Sunshine!

Most Australians get enough vitamin D from incidental sun exposure by spending a few minutes outdoors each day. You’ll also find vitamin D in some fish including salmon and tuna, mushrooms and soy milk. You can also find vitamin D enriched products such as cereals and dairy products.

It is good to be mindful of your vitamin D exposure, because Aussies are so indoctrinated (and rightly so) with using daily sunscreen and avoiding sun damage, that vitamin D deficiency is becoming more and more common.

⭐Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports a strong immune system and also improves our body’s ability to heal and repair itself. This vitamin prevents inflammation and repairs our body’s connective tissues. It also strengthens our gums, aiding the prevention of gingivitis, gum disease and tooth loosening or loss.

Vitamin C is found in a large array of fruits and vegetables including citrus, capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower and leafy greens such as spinach.

⭐B Vitamins

Vitamins B2, B3 and B12 all help prevent the development of mouth ulcers.

Of course the most famous and one of the richest sources of some B vitamins is good old Vegemite, but you’ll also find them in red meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, almonds and spinach.

⭐Phosphorus

Phosphorus helps improve the effect of calcium in creating strong bones and teeth.

Seafood such as salmon, tuna, sardines and prawns, is rich in phosphorus. It is also found in pork, beef, cheese, lentils, pumpkin seeds and soybeans.

⭐Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps support bone strength by aiding the body in producing osteocalcin, which is a protein hormone related to bone density.  It also helps the body’s healing processes, and helps promote a healthy mouth.

Eat leafy greens like spinach and kale, parsley, brussel sprouts and broccoli to get your daily dose of vitamin K.

⭐Vitamin A

Having a dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, which makes vitamin A vital in supporting oral health. This vitamin promotes mucus membrane health which in turn prevents dry mouth and aids the mouth’s ability to heal.

Vitamin A is abundant in orange fruits and vegetables including rockmelon, carrots, pumpkin, apricots and sweet potatoes. It’s also present in fish, leafy greens and eggs.

Protect your teeth from the inside out

Vitamins and minerals are essential to building and maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

No matter how much we brush and floss our teeth if we aren’t getting the essential vitamins and minerals we’re only doing half the job!

If your dental care routine includes:

1.       A balanced and varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals
2.       Twice daily brushing and flossing
3.       Regular visits with your dentist

 Then your teeth should love you back for many years to come.

If you have any concerns about the health of your teeth or gums,  please give us a call on 6550 0960 or drop us an email info@tareedentalcare.com.au. 

We are always here to help you.  Your teeth are so important and we can help you to keep them in ship-shape.