Vitamins and Minerals for Good Dental Health

Man eating healthy food for healthy teeth.

A healthy diet can provide you with good resources for building healthy teeth and having healthy gums. We all know that avoiding sweets and starch is good for your teeth, but it doesn’t end there. Many foods can also provide you with bone building nutrients for your body so that your teeth will be healthy and strong.

Why are Vitamins and Minerals Important for Teeth?

All the organ systems in the body require nutrients to thrive. Each organ system requires a certain type of vitamins and minerals to perform the action required of them. The mouth, teeth and gums are no different. They also require specific nutrients in order to function properly. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy mouth and the foods you can eat to add these nutrients to your diet.

Here are some vitamins and minerals that can really help with great dental health!

Calcium

Most of us know that calcium is good for our bones. It’s good for our teeth, too. Calcium is essential in bone health, and it is crucial in strengthening your tooth’s enamel. If you’re curious about how to get calcium into your system, you can get it through milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs. If you don’t do dairy, you can obtain calcium through almonds, salmon, broccoli, Bok choy, kale, collard greens, and turnips. Make sure not to overcook these veggies, so they continue to hold their nutrients.

Vitamin C

Known for being good for the immune system, vitamin C is also essential for the teeth. It assists in the absorption of calcium and helps protect the cells which produce dentin, the inner layer of the tooth. Vitamin C is also essential for the health of connective tissues, which includes the gums. Vitamin C is readily available in many kinds of foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy greens, and potatoes.

Phosphorus

Whole grains, milk, eggs, fish, and other protein-rich foods are the best ways to get this eesential vitamin into your diet and get on your way to a healthy smile. Phosphorus assists the body in absorbing calcium and helps to strengthen teeth by protecting tooth enamel. A supplement is usually not needed to get this nutrient in your diet. Most of us get plenty of it!

Vitamin D

Grab that glass of milk! You’ll want to get the one food most fortified with vitamin d if you want to flash those pearly whites with confidence. A deficiency in vitamin D can cause many oral health issues including gingivitis, gum disease and cavities. If milk isn’t for you, many foods contain vitamin D, including salmon, canned tuna, and mushrooms. And other foods such as cereal and orange juice are also fortified with this important nutrient.

Vitamin A

This nutrient helps you produce saliva which is important for breaking down food and bacteria, keeping those chompers nice and clean. Vitamin A is found in many dietary choices, including fruits, veggies, fish, and eggs.

What About Supplements?

If you or your dentist think that your diet doesn’t contain enough of the nutrients you need for a healthy smile, there are many supplements available that can help you access what you need! If you have concerns, consult with your dentist or physician about supplements you can take to complete your nutrient needs.

Now that you know how to build that healthy smile, it’s a great time to grab a nutrient packed snack!

Park 56 Dental

Have questions about the vitamins and mineral that can help you with your dental health? Park 56 is here to help! Voted #1 in New York City, the dentists at Park 56 Dental have the answers! Park 56 Dental is known for great dentistry. We provide the best treatments in town from pediatric dentistry to endodontics, oral surgery to prosthodontics, emergency to sedation dentistry. You and your family can count on us to make you feel welcome and comfortable at each visit! Be sure to visit our website or if you’d like to make an appointment, click here to book online or call (646) 679-3989.