Good dental health is essential for your child's overall wellness and quality of life. But what exactly should your child eat to ensure good dental health? In this blog post, we will discuss the seven essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy teeth and gums.
1. Calcium
Calcium aids in the maintenance of a strong jawbone and the strengthening of tooth enamel. Calcium is also important for tooth growth because it is a component of tooth enamel. Teeth can weaken without enough calcium, which can cause tooth decay and other oral health issues linked to weak teeth.
Your body balances calcium circulation in your bloodstream in small doses. Calcium is abundant in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Salmon, beans, almonds, carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens like kale and spinach are some more excellent sources of calcium. You can also consume calcium supplements if your dentist or physician recommends it.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the growth and maintenance of strong teeth and gums. Vitamin C is important for oral health since it aids in the synthesis of collagen in dentin. In addition, vitamin C promotes the development and maintenance of teeth and guards against gingival inflammation and disorders including gingivitis and scurvy.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can provide your body with sufficient Vitamin C. Broccoli, kale, berries, sweet potatoes, and peppers are other foods that are high in Vitamin C.
3. Potassium
Potassium aids the body's defense and helps prevents the deterioration of the jaw and other dental structures. Potassium can also makes blood clotting more effective and increases wound healing. These benefits can help people whose gums bleed periodically or when they floss.
The best source of potassium in terms of dietary sources is bananas. Tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, beans, mushrooms, and dark green vegetables are additional sources of potassium.
4. Phosphorus
Phosphorus aids in the preservation and regeneration of tooth enamel. Phosphorus combines with calcium to create hydroxyapatite, the primary building block of dental enamel. Phosphorus is crucial for the body's complete absorption of calcium, as the human body cannot use calcium without it.
A few examples of foods high in phosphorus are milk, cheese, red meats, lentils, pumpkin seeds and nuts, whole grains, fish, shrimp, and scallops.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D aids in the absorption, transport, and deposit of calcium into the bones that sustain the teeth. Additionally, vitamin D increases the mineral concentration of bones, which makes them tougher and more fracture-resistant.
A few foods high in vitamin D are fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, canned tuna, portobello mushrooms, milk, orange juice, and vitamin D-fortified cereals. Also, sunlight is the finest source of vitamin D, so make sure you obtain enough of it to meet your body's requirements.
6. Vitamin A
Vitamin A aids in the formation of keratin, a protein that is present in tooth enamel and is crucial for the defense and strength of your teeth. Additionally, vitamin A prevents dry mouth and supports the health of your mouth's mucous membranes.
Vitamin A also stimulates and maintains saliva production. Saliva is a crucial element in dental hygiene because it removes dangerous bacteria and food debris from the spaces between teeth and gums.
Carrots, oranges, apricots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, collard greens, egg yolks, salmon, and liver are just a few examples of foods high in vitamin A. These produce items are rich in beta-carotene, which your body uses to make vitamin A.
7. Vitamin K
Vitamin K bonds calcium to teeth and bones, which strengthens them and makes them less brittle. In addition, vitamin K aids in the synthesis of osteocalcin, an essential protein for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Thus, you may bleed more frequently if you don't get enough vitamin K since it takes longer for your body to repair after an injury.
Consume a lot of leafy greens, such kale, spinach, collards, parsley, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts to obtain enough vitamin K.
Involve a dentist to assess and treat dental conditions that might impact your child's teeth and gums. Contact us at Treasured Smiles Pediatric Dentistry if you have a child that needs dental services.