Essential minerals and vitamins for children’s teeth and gums

Essential minerals and vitamins for children's teeth and gums

Help your kids eat their way to a lifetime of good health and smiles! All of us desire our children to eat a healthy, balanced diet. It’s no secret that eating a diet high in fruits, and vegetables, helps children develop healthy bodies and brains as well as teeth and gums. We ‘Little Kids Dentistry’ has put up this list of 5 essential minerals and vitamins for teeth since we are frequently asked what foods are excellent for kids’ teeth.

Best vitamins for teeth and gums

CALCIUM

You won’t be shocked to hear that calcium is at the top of our list and you may already be aware that calcium is advantageous for bones,  but you might not be aware, that calcium is exclusively retained in your bones and teeth. Obtaining adequate calcium in your diet can help maintain the strength of your child’s dental enamel. More protection against tooth decay and cavities is provided by enamel that is stronger. Calcium intake is essential for keeping strong, thick bones throughout childhood, including your child’s jawbone.

Calcium in food

There are many foods with calcium, so your kids will obtain the right amount regardless of their dietary preferences or limits. Many children regularly consume milk, as well as other dairy goods like yogurt and cheese. Given that milk products provide the most easily absorbed calcium, this is a significant victory for teeth. If your youngster doesn’t consume cow’s milk, fortified nut, soy, or oat glasses of milk work just as well. In the veggies and fruits department, calcium-rich foods include broccoli, leafy greens like kale and collard greens, soybeans, figs, and oranges. Additionally, fortified bread, breakfast cereals, oats, beans, almonds, canned salmon, and almond butter can provide calcium to your children. It’s simple to add calcium sources to every meal!
Health professionals advise combining calcium consumption with vitamin D intake to get the most out of calcium-rich foods. You now understand why this tooth-friendly vitamin is frequently added to milk that you purchase at the grocery store

VITAMIN D

The best friend of calcium is right here! As previously established, vitamin D plays a crucial role in helping your body absorb calcium from food, transport it out of your child’s intestines, and store it in your bones. Thus, vitamin D contributes to increased bone density. Like Batman and Robin, calcium and vitamin D may each do incredible things on their own, but they work best when combined. Vitamin D is essential for a diet that promotes healthy teeth since it helps teeth develop fully and guards against gum disease and tooth decay.

Finding Vitamin D

Your body naturally produces vitamin D after only 15 minutes of exposure to direct sunlight on your skin. It is referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” for this reason. Remember that if you live somewhere that has seasons, you will probably need to spend more time outside in the sun during the winter. Your pediatric dentists in Los Angeles advise you to acquire your children’s vitamin D by walking them outside, in the park, or garden. Also, children can obtain vitamin D through eggs, salmon, fish, and red meat as one of essential vitamins for good teeth.

PHOSPHORUS

Although it might not be discussed as frequently as other vitamins and minerals for teeth, phosphorus is still quite significant. Similar to vitamin D, phosphorus aids in maximizing the benefits of calcium so that your teeth are as strong as possible. This mineral aids in your child’s teeth enamel repair and fortification against plaque and cavities.

Food sources of phosphorus

Many of the foods that also include calcium and vitamin D also contain phosphorus. Red meat, fish like tuna and salmon, fortified milk and milk products, beans and lentils, nuts, and whole grains are all high in phosphorus.

VITAMIN K

In the family of vitamins and minerals for teeth, where vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus work as teeth builders, vitamin K acts as a teeth protector. Vitamin K aids a protein that supports bone strength and works to inhibit chemicals that damage bones and teeth. Vitamin K also aids in the healing process.

Foods High in Vitamin K

Leafy greens are a victory for vitamins once more. Additionally, broccoli, eggs, hard cheeses, pork, and poultry all provide vitamin K for your youngster.

VITAMIN C

We can’t forget about the gums when discussing vitamins for teeth! Stronger gums and all the smooth muscles in your child’s mouth are made possible by vitamin C. Strong connective tissue in your kids’ gums keeps their teeth firmly in place and helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

Vitamin C-rich foods

You probably already know that citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C and that kids love them. But did you know that foods like potatoes, leafy greens, berries, and peppers also contain vitamin C? Our dentists always recommend eating a spectrum of colors (colorful food) when parents ask about vitamins for strong teeth. When it comes to being good for teeth and being high in vitamin C, colorful fruits and vegetables are powerhouses.

the best multivitamin for kids

JOINING FORCES ON CHILDREN’S HEALTHY TEETH

Naturally, a variety of foods can provide children with the vitamins they need for strong teeth, and the products we’ve discussed here can be included in each meal. But, some parents worry a balanced diet isn’t enough and ask the team at Little Kids Dentistry if their kids should also take vitamin supplements. We are always happy to talk about this with parents, and give them the right direction, as we are aware that some children simply do not enjoy certain foods that are beneficial for their teeth. We’re here to discuss how we can all work together to regularly provide children with the vitamins they need for strong, healthy teeth. To start a conversation, get in touch with us at our offices in  Los Angeles, South Gate, Santa Fe Springs and Panorama City

 

Little Kids Dentistry

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