Aerial view of a variety of healthy foods that are part of a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals

How Do Vitamins & Minerals Affect Your Teeth?

January 31, 2022 3:48 am

Good nutrition is critical for your health, including your oral health. If you want healthy gums and strong teeth, you need to consume a balanced diet that contains essential vitamins and minerals. For example:

Calcium

Your body uses calcium to build healthy bones and teeth. The crystalline mineral structure of your enamel, the outer layer of teeth, contains calcium. It fortifies your teeth against decay. You can find calcium in seeds, nuts, yogurt, milk, cheese, dark leafy greens, and fortified plant milks.

Vitamin D

Without vitamin D, your body doesn’t absorb enough calcium. While the best source of vitamin D is several minutes of sun exposure a day, don’t forget about sun safety! Limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when the UV rays are the strongest. You can also get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish, and supplements.

Phosphorus

Your bones and teeth contain about 85% of your body’s store of phosphorus. Calcium needs this mineral to build strong teeth. It is found in milk, whole grains, meat, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Magnesium

Without enough magnesium, it’s hard for your body to build strong tooth enamel. Like vitamin D, magnesium helps your body absorb calcium. You can find magnesium in foods like nuts, beans, seeds, and dark leafy greens.

Vitamin A

You may already know that vitamin A is good for your eye health. Your gums and teeth need it too! Vitamin A helps your body build and maintain strong gum tissue and tooth enamel. It also promotes saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural rinse. Obtain vitamin A by eating orange foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.

Maintain Strong Teeth at Riverstone Dental Care in Canton, GA

Whole food is the best source of vitamins and minerals that keep your teeth strong. In some cases, supplements can be beneficial too. Talk to your primary care provider about a game plan if your diet is deficient in any nutrients.

A balanced diet, daily brushing and flossing, and routine visits to the dentist will help keep your oral health in great shape. To schedule your next visit to Riverstone Dental Care, please contact us today!

Categorised in: General Dental, Healthy Diet