Many of the same vitamins and minerals necessary for general health are an important part of children's oral health, too. Here, you can learn about which vitamins and minerals will help keep your children’s teeth and gums strong and healthy.
Vitamin A is usually associated with good eyesight, skin and a healthy immune system, but it helps keep the mucous membranes and salivary flow in the mouth healthy, too.
Vitamin A contributes to gum health as well, helping to ensure that they heal properly.
Good sources of Vitamin A:
- organ meats
dark leafy greens
- sweet potatoes
B vitamins help to reduce tongue inflammation, and reduce the occurrence of canker sores.
Good sources of B Vitamins:
- green vegetables
- red meat
Vitamin C is integral to healthy gums and avoiding periodontal disease. It also builds and repairs connective tissues, and helps prevent gum inflammation. In addition, it is a strong antioxidant, so it helps speed healing.
Good sources of Vitamin C:
Vitamin D contributes to the regulation of calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood. This means that, if your child is not getting adequate amounts of vitamin D, he or she may not be able to absorb the calcium necessary to keep bones and teeth strong and healthy.
Good sources of Vitamin D:
- fortified milk and breakfast cereal
- cod liver oil capsules
- 15 minutes of sunshine a day
The body stores the majority of its calcium in the bones (this includes the teeth). Calcium functions to keep bones and teeth strong and sturdy, and since it is constantly circulating in your blood and carefully regulated by your body, getting enough calcium from your diet is extremely important. Without sufficient dietary calcium, the calcium your body needs may be leached from your bones.
Making sure children get enough dietary calcium growing up may also help prevent the development of osteoporosis later in life.
Good sources of Calcium include the following:
- dairy products
- leafy greens