The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals for Your Teeth

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing daily and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining dental health. But is that all you can do to make your teeth strong and bright? The answer is no. There is more to good oral health. One of the critical aspects is what you eat. You must have a balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals, for strong teeth and good oral health.

Why are vitamins and minerals essential for oral health?

Consuming a healthy diet can help fight bacteria and even reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum diseases. At the same time, an unhealthy and imbalanced diet can cause inflammation, discoloration, and in the worst-case scenario—even tooth loss. Think of it this way; if your body doesn’t have the essential nutrients, it cannot fight infections or maintain functionality. Similarly, sugary and starchy food can erode your enamel. Vitamins and minerals are crucial in maintaining healthy, strong pearly white teeth.

Vitamin deficiency—what your teeth and oral health are telling you

Do you want to know a secret? Your teeth can tell you if you have a vitamin deficiency. You don’t even have to look too deep. Here’s how:

Vitamin A deficiency

A common indicator of Vitamin A deficiency is impaired tooth formation. Enamel hypoplasia, inadequate enamel, is common among children with Vitamin A deficiency. A dry mouth is another symptom that can affect adults with vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamin B deficiency causes cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue, sore tongue, and periodontal disease. Angular cheilitis, a condition that affects the corners of your mouth, is another common sign of vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency exhibits several symptoms in your oral health. A burning sensation on the tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth is a common indicator of vitamin D deficiency. Other symptoms include sore throat, dry mouth, and numbness on the tongue. Vitamin D deficiency can even cause cavities and periodontitis.

Calcium and magnesium deficiency

Inadequate calcium levels are harmful to your body and mouth. You might have tingling sensations in your mouth. Weak roots, tooth decay, and irritated gums are other symptoms of calcium deficiency.

Recommended vitamins and supplements to support oral health

You might have heard about remineralization. It is a process in which the body naturally repairs your teeth. Of course, to initiate remineralization, you need to give your body the proper support. Proper support and care include saliva production, a healthy diet, probiotics, vitamin and mineral supplements, and fluoride. However, it is also crucial to consult your dentist before making any decision.

Here are the vitamins you must take to keep your teeth healthy.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential to maintain your gums and tooth enamel. Keratin, a protein found in tooth enamel, needs vitamin A to form. Vitamin A also supports healthy saliva production in your mouth. Saliva helps in washing away bacteria and harmful substances from your mouth. You can find vitamin A in sweet potatoes, eggs, and carrots. Vitamin A and most recommended vitamins in today’s article are available in supplement form. However, keep in mind that supplements are meant to support a healthy diet, not substitute the nutrients you would intake from natural food sources.

Vitamin B complex

Vitamin B complex prevents irritation inside and outside the mouth and reduces the chances of cracked lips and irritated gums. B vitamins can be found in leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, eggs, dairy products, and meat.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D acts as a support to calcium. Without vitamin D, your body cannot fully absorb calcium and strengthen your enamel. You can find it in orange juice, fortified cereals, and fatty fish.

Calcium

Calcium is essential not only for your bones but also for your teeth. Calcium strengthens your enamel and aids in jawbone development. You can find calcium in broccoli, milk, yogurt, leafy vegetables, and almonds.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps regulate the acidity levels in your blood. Higher acidity can weaken your teeth and jawbone, which is why magnesium is essential for oral health. Good sources of magnesium include avocados, bananas, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Zinc

Zinc is necessary to prevent demineralization in your teeth. Proper intake of zinc can also prevent gum diseases, cavities, and tooth decay and fight bad breath. Zinc is found in oysters, beans, poultry, whole grains, and nuts.

Probiotics

Probiotics are incredible for digestive health issues such as GERD and acid reflux. However, they are also helpful for oral health. Probiotics can prevent bad breath and help in absorbing nutrients.

The above-listed vitamins and minerals are essential for your oral health. However, before taking any nutritional supplement, vitamin or mineral, remember to consult a healthcare professional. While a balanced diet is necessary for good oral health, regular dental check-ups are equally important. No amount of minerals and vitamins can help you treat teeth and gum diseases without a proper course of treatment. Therefore, don’t forget to see your dentist regularly.