Failing to keep your teeth healthy can have just as dire consequences as not keeping your body healthy, and to reduce the risk of decaying teeth, painful cavities and periodontal disease, you should consume a diet that contains plenty of vitamins and essential minerals.
Consuming vitamins for strong teeth and bones is a simple step towards a happier you and a wider smile, but which are the best vitamins to take?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining the strength and well-being of your gums and the soft tissue that supports your teeth. By promoting gum health, this essential vitamin ensures the integrity of the structures that hold your teeth in place. Moreover, Vitamin C is instrumental in collagen production, a crucial component for gum health. Its presence in various fruits and vegetables, such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, is abundant. By including these nutritious sources in your diet, you can supply your body with ample Vitamin C to support strong and healthy gums, contributing to overall oral wellness.
Vitamin K
In addition to safeguarding your teeth enamel from the damaging effects of harmful substances, this particular vitamin plays a crucial role in the production of osteocalcin—a protein that supports the strength and integrity of bones in the mouth. By facilitating the synthesis of osteocalcin, this vitamin contributes to maintaining robust oral bones. Leafy green vegetables serve as an excellent source of this essential nutrient. Including these nutrient-rich greens in your diet can help ensure an adequate supply of this vitamin, promoting both the protection of tooth enamel and the maintenance of strong and healthy bones within the oral cavity.
Vitamin A
Helping to keep your immune system strong, Vitamin A is vital for eye, skin and mucous membrane health, which in turn, enables your body to ward off bacteria and other infections that can occur in the mouth. Additionally, it promotes saliva production, helping prevent particles of food and bacteria from lingering in the mouth. It can be found in leafy green vegetables (dark ones), egg yolks, carrots and cantaloupe melon.
Vitamin D
Helping the body to better absorb calcium and increase the density of our bones, Vitamin D also aids the absorption and retention of calcium for the remineralization of teeth, in turn, lowering the risk of gum disease and decaying teeth. It can be found in sunlight, or by consuming fatty fish, orange juice and fortified milk among others.
Magnesium
Helping your body not only absorb calcium, but strengthen tooth enamel and teeth, too, magnesium is important for helping to prevent cavities and tooth decay. It can be found in whole grains, legumes and nuts.
Potassium
Similar to Vitamin D, potassium helps to increase the mineral density of bones, and is responsible for ensuring the health of your teeth and gums. Working in conjunction with magnesium to stop the acidity levels of your blood from rising too high, it prevents calcium from being drained out of your teeth, which can cause cavities and tooth decay. It can be found in fruits like bananas and prunes, and in vegetables like avocados and Swiss chard.
Calcium
Absolutely essential for a healthy set of gnashers and gums, calcium helps to make your teethe enamel stronger, in turn, reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Also great for strong, healthy bones, calcium helps to keep your teeth not just healthy, but in place. It can be found in some dairy products, nuts, leafy green veggies and salmon.
If you struggle to get more calcium into your diet through food (perhaps because you’re vegan), you can always try dental health supplements following guidance from a dental health practitioner.
Phosphorous
Found in your bones and teeth, phosphorous makes tooth enamel stronger, and by helping your body produce hydroxyapatite (a substance that helps enamel to form on your teeth), it can help keep your bones and teeth healthy and strong. It can be found in beans, nuts, dairy products and whole grains.
When combined, these essential vitamins and minerals can help you maintain a healthier set of teeth and gums, and a happier mouth all round. If you struggle to include these in your diet, consider taking a dental health supplement.
