Top vitamins and minerals children need for healthy teeth
A healthy children’s smile requires more attention – brushing and cleaning teeth alone is not enough. In fact, a healthy smile is greatly influenced by the food children consume.
In this week’s blog from Dental Center 4Smile, learn about the top vitamins and minerals children need for good oral health.
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is one of the best vitamins for overall oral health. This is because it helps regulate saliva flow, which naturally cleans the teeth, prevents dry mouth, and protects teeth and gums from acid damage.
Vitamin A also supports healthy mucous membranes in the mouth that line the cheeks and gums, making them less sensitive to infections and disease. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, eggs, sweet potatoes, and fish.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps heal gums and fight gum inflammation. It does this by helping the body produce more collagen, which supports cell repair and speeds up the healing process.
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and kiwi. However, all fruit is quite acidic, so after consumption it is important to wait 10–15 minutes and then rinse the child’s mouth with water.
VITAMIN D
Without adequate vitamin D, the benefits of calcium are significantly reduced. Vitamin D acts as a messenger, signaling the intestines to absorb calcium into the bloodstream.
Adequate vitamin D and calcium make bones and teeth denser and much stronger, helping to prevent fractures and cracks. Vitamin D can be found in eggs, fish, and dairy products such as cheese and fortified milk.
FLUORIDE
Fluoride is known as a natural cavity fighter because it can stop tooth decay from developing. Fluoride helps build strong, healthy enamel, giving teeth the protection they need against cavity-causing bacteria.
Many water supplies today are enriched with fluoride, or you can use fluoride dental products or supplements. We also recommend children’s toothpaste with fluoride levels that provide strong protective effects.
TOPICAL FLUORIDE
At Dental Center 4Smile, we offer topical fluoride treatment for our “little teeth with big smiles.”
Topical fluoride treatment is a sticky preventive substance applied to tooth enamel after professional cleaning. Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent many potential oral health problems. Topical fluoride treatments are performed exclusively by dental medicine doctors (dentists). It is often recommended to wait several hours before the child drinks hot beverages or brushes their teeth so the fluoride treatment has time to strengthen and protect the child’s teeth.
CALCIUM
Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body and supports many processes, including building and maintaining strong teeth and bones.
Calcium can be found in dairy products such as milk and cheese, and we especially recommend getting calcium from cheese. This is because cheese contains a protein called casein, which is essential for building strong tooth enamel.
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is a fantastic mineral for overall health and plays a key role in building strong teeth and bones. Magnesium helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for developing strong teeth and enamel.
Magnesium can be found in nuts, whole grains, beans, seeds, and dark leafy vegetables.
IRON
Iron is important for maintaining healthy levels of red blood cells. It helps the immune system function properly and defend against infections and disease. Low iron levels weaken the immune system and increase the chances of developing oral infections and gum disease.
Support your child’s immune system and help it function at full potential by providing seafood, eggs, red meat, cereals, bread, and green leafy vegetables.
FOR PICKY EATERS
While a healthy diet can provide your child with enough vitamins and minerals, some children are very picky eaters and may benefit from taking vitamin supplements.
If your child has low levels of one or more vitamins or minerals, speak with their pediatrician and ask about the best recommended multivitamin supplement.
