Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Teeth and Gums

Vitamins and minerals are essential for our overall health and well-being, including our teeth and gums. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin C are all important vitamins and minerals that keep teeth and gum tissue healthy and strong. These nutrients are all essential to bone health. When the body has the proper levels of these vital nutrients, it is able to better maintain the health of all bones in the body; this includes the teeth and the gums. A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function at its best, but there are also ways to augment your diet with supplements. For the best oral health possible, it is important that you have a proper diet and keep your teeth clean.

How Do They Prevent or Treat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?

• Calcium prevents decay by strengthening tooth enamel. It also helps gums to reattach to the teeth after they have been loosened from periodontal disease. Foods that contain calcium include dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables like kale, sardines, and dried figs.
• Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium. Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, but foods such as egg yolks and liver also contain this vitamin.
• Phosphorus is essential for developing strong bones and healthy teeth. Foods high in phosphorus include cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, pumpkin seeds, chicken, and fish.
• Magnesium is necessary for many different functions in the body. It helps to keep your teeth healthy and strong. It also helps to reduce your risk of periodontal diseases. Foods that are high in magnesium include bananas, dark chocolate, salmon, almonds, spinach, beans, cashews, and soybeans.
• Potassium is another important mineral that helps to maintain your oral health. It can reduce plaque buildup and help to reduce the risks of cavities forming. Foods that are rich in potassium include potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocadoes, tomatoes, oranges, cantaloupe, cucumbers, peas, watermelon, and more.
• Zinc plays many important roles in the body, including helping your mouth fight infections that could harm your gums. It can also help to reduce inflammation in your mouth and prevent sores from forming on your gums. Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc, but you can also find it in poultry, nuts, crab, lobster, beef, eggs, liver, and cheese.
• Iron is an essential component of red blood cells and hemoglobin. These cells transport oxygen throughout the body. Having enough iron in your body can help prevent gum disease.
• Vitamin A supports the health of the mucous membranes in your mouth. It also helps produce saliva and can even help prevent oral cancer in some cases. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangos, and cantaloupe are all high in this vitamin.
• Vitamin C is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting bacteria that cause cavities and other oral infections. It also helps keep your gums healthy and prevents bleeding gums. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are great sources.

To learn more, contact Robinson Family Dentistry by calling (843) 554-9332, booking an appointment online, or visiting us at 1281 Yeamans Hall Road, Hanahan, SC 29410. Dr. Hugh Robinson and Dr. Ryan Robinson will be happy to help you choose the best option for you.