When choosing what to eat, it’s all about maintaining balance and getting the right portions consistently. But have you ever thought about what happens when that food comes into contact with your teeth? Surprisingly, your food and drink choices affect your teeth and gums more than you may think. Getting in just enough of the right vitamins to protect your teeth and gums really does help to combat decay and inflammation.
You can either take vitamins as a pill or in their natural form — the choice is yours. So, curious to find out which vitamins are the most important to keep those pearly whites?
Below are the top five best vitamins for teeth and gums health.
Strengthen your teeth with calcium
Calcium is a key nutrient for strengthening your bones and teeth. It reinforces tooth enamel, the outer layer that shields your teeth from cavities. Stronger enamel means better protection against damage.
Consuming dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yoghurt are all great sources, yet calcium can also be found in leafy greens such as broccoli or kale and in nuts such as almonds or walnuts. Surprisingly, protein such as salmon, sardines or tofu also contain calcium.
Usually, it’s said that kids need calcium the most, but don’t forget about it as you get older. Everyone benefits from calcium and the nutrition it brings to your bones and teeth.
It is important to note, that once your adult teeth are fully formed (as in 18 years plus) the calcium you ingest will not contribute to your teeth anymore. It will however, still contribute to good bone health and our teeth are held in our jawbones!
Eliminate bleeding gums with vitamin C
Vitamin C is the key to healthy gums and teeth. It helps to keep the connective tissues in your gums strong so your teeth stay in place. For children, vitamin C helps to reduce erosive wear. If you find yourself deficient in this vitamin, you may notice bleeding gums or gum disease.
Vitamin C is mostly found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, kiwis, grapefruits, and oranges. It can also be consumed through vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, capsicum, or kale. If you need extra vitamin C, there are a wide range of supplements available.
Limit tooth decay with vitamin D
The best way to get Vitamin D is through the sunshine. Take a walk, spend some time soaking up the sun, and let the vitamin come naturally to you. Vitamin D is needed to maintain bone and tooth mineralisation so you don’t get tooth decay or gum disease. Not getting enough of it can put you at risk of developing a variety of dental issues. Unfortunately, about one in four Australians are currently deficient in Vitamin D – so get outside and get your vitamin D in.
Vitamin D can also be found in egg yolks, red meats, or oily fish like salmon, herring, or mackerel. It’s often in breakfast cereal as well.
Avoid anti-inflammatory issues with phosphorus
Phosphorus, one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, plays a vital role in strengthening both teeth and bones. It helps prevent tooth loss and protects the gums from inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re a meat-lover, consuming chicken, red meat, and seafood will increase your phosphorus levels. For our veggie-lovers, getting in a lot of nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, and legumes is needed.
Increase your saliva production with vitamin A
There are a variety of benefits from Vitamin A. Not only is it great for eyes, skin, impaired tooth formation and bone strength, but also saliva production. Saliva helps to remove the bacteria around your teeth, so having enough of it is important for clean teeth.
Vitamin A can be found in many orange foods such as sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. Egg yolks, fish, and leafy greens will help improve your vitamin A intake as well.
How supplements can help
While many of these vitamins are naturally found in the foods you eat, if you’re concerned about a deficiency or have tested low, it’s important to supplement with the necessary vitamins to maintain teeth and gums. Be sure to consult with a doctor or dentist before making any significant changes to ensure you’re on the right track.
If you maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, you’re likely getting most of these essential nutrients. If not, there are plenty of over-the-counter supplements available to help. However, you’ll want to make sure you are not pushing too many or too little of nutrients as it will affect the level of absorption. If you’d like to discuss which supplements might be best for your needs, feel free to reach out.
At Oakleigh Dental, we support our patients in every aspect of their health journey. We’re committed to guiding you toward the best diet, lifestyle, and dental care for optimal well-being.
Get the best vitamins for your teeth and gums and take care of your oral health today. Contact us here.
