Everything in the body is connected and interacts, and many of the same vitamins and minerals necessary for children's general health are also necessary for oral health. Below, you can learn a bit about the vitamins and minerals that will keep your children’s teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is typically associated with good eyesight, good skin and a healthy immune system, it can also help keep the mucous membranes and salivary flow in the mouth healthy.
Vitamin A contributes to gum health as well, helping to ensure that they heal properly.
Good sources of Vitamin A include:
- dark leafy greens
- mangoes
- carrots
- sweet potatoes
- fish
- organ meats
B Vitamins
B vitamins help improve oral health by reducing tongue inflammation and the occurrence of canker sores.
Good sources of B Vitamins include:
- green vegetables
- beans
- legumes
- poultry
- red meat
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that is essential to healthy gums and avoiding periodontal disease. Because it builds and repairs connective tissues, vitamin C helps prevent gum inflammation.
Good sources of Vitamin C include:
- berries
- broccoli
- kale
- citrus fruit
Vitamin D
Because Vitamin D helps to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood, 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:
- 15 minutes of sunshine a day
- cod liver oil capsules
- fortified milk and breakfast cereal
Calcium
The body stores the majority of its calcium in the bones, including the teeth. 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 as they grow up can also help prevent the development of osteoporosis later in life.
Good sources of Calcium include:
- leafy greens
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- almonds
- dairy products
- salmon
- sardines