Everything in the body is connected, and many of the same vitamins and minerals necessary for general health are necessary for oral health, too. Here, you can learn a bit about the vitamins and minerals that will keep your children’s teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Vitamin A
Though Vitamin A is usually associated with good eyesight, skin and a healthy immune system, it helps keep the mucous membranes and salivary flow in the mouth healthy as well.
Vitamin A also contributes to gum health, helping to ensure that they heal properly.
Good sources of Vitamin A include the following:
- fish
- organ meats
- dark leafy greens
- mangoes
- carrots
- sweet potatoes
B Vitamins
B vitamins improve your child’s oral health by helping to reduce tongue inflammation, and reducing the occurrence of canker sores.
Good sources of B Vitamins include the following:
- beans
- legumes
- green vegetables
- poultry
- red meat
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential to healthy gums and avoiding periodontal disease. Because it builds and repairs connective tissues, vitamin C helps prevent gum inflammation. It is also a strong antioxidant, so it helps speed healing.
Good sources of Vitamin C include the following:
- broccoli
- kale
- citrus fruit
- berries
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood. This means that, if your child is not getting adequate vitamin D, he or she may be unable to absorb the necessary calcium to keep the bones and teeth strong and healthy.
Good sources of Vitamin D include the following:
- 15 minutes of sunshine a day
- fortified milk and breakfast cereal
- cod liver oil capsules
Calcium
The body stores most of its calcium in the bones (including the teeth), and the calcium functions to keep them strong and sturdy. Since it is constantly circulating in your blood and carefully regulated by your body, getting enough calcium from your diet is very important. Otherwise, it’s leeched from your bones.
Making sure your child gets enough calcium growing up can also help prevent the development of osteoporosis later in life.
Good sources of Calcium include the following:
- dairy products
- salmon
- sardines
- leafy greens
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- almonds