Important Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Good oral health is essential for overall health. Poor dental hygiene can result in various health issues. So, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Listed below are vitamins and minerals that are important for maintaining good oral health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system, and it’s also important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach. Once vitamin D is absorbed by the body, it aids in depositing minerals like calcium and phosphorous into the bones. If the body doesn’t get enough vitamin D, then it can lead to weak bones and teeth.

You can get vitamin D from supplements; however, exposing your skin to the sun is the best way to get enough vitamin D. The sun triggers our bodies to produce more vitamin D naturally. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll risk getting sunburned! 

Calcium

Calcium is a necessary mineral that helps keep teeth strong and healthy by keeping them protected against bacteria and acid erosion. When calcium levels drop, the teeth become more vulnerable to decay over time. This mineral can be found in foods like milk and cheese as well as spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens. It also comes in supplement form if your diet doesn’t do an adequate job of supplying the needed daily amount.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system and improve eye health and vision while promoting the health of soft tissues like gums. Leafy greens and dairy products are good sources of vitamin A. Taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains this nutrient can help ensure that you’re getting enough of it in your diet.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that’s essential for bone health and is found in high concentrations in the bones themselves. A zinc deficiency can lead to problems with tooth growth, such as delayed eruption. Yogurt, cheese, red meat, and nuts are all good sources of zinc. You can also find zinc in supplements.

Magnesium

A magnesium deficiency can cause a number of symptoms, including muscle cramps, fatigue, high blood pressure, and poor nutrient absorption. Magnesium is also essential for proper bone and tooth development, so it’s important for children to get enough of this mineral in their diet. Adults also need magnesium for proper nerve function, blood sugar control, blood clotting, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system. These are just a few of the reasons why it’s so important to eat foods that naturally contain magnesium or take a daily supplement.

You can find magnesium in pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, black beans, avocados, cashews, brown rice, dark chocolate, broccoli, sunflower seeds, and more! 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and neutralizes free radicals, which are unstable molecules linked to premature aging and various health conditions. It has also been shown to help heal and repair soft tissue, such as gums. Vitamin C is naturally found in some foods. A deficiency can lead to gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. Dietary sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes, watercress, pineapples, mangoes, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, papaya, and blueberries. Adding more foods rich in vitamin C to your diet can be beneficial to your dental health. If you think you might be lacking in vitamin C, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss treatment options. You may also want to increase your intake of vitamin-C-rich foods. This can help prevent gum inflammation and reduce your risk of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Bucks Dental, call (215)-220-3395 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1151 S Broad St, Lansdale, PA 19446.