What Vitamins Are Good For Teeth? (Risks When You Lack Them)
What vitamins are good for teeth? Aside from that, where can we get them? What risks are we going to face the moment we lack any of these vitamins? Generally speaking, quality dental care is essential, according to this page. Furthermore, we also have to pay attention to the vitamins and minerals to keep our teeth in a healthy condition for a long time.
Paying more attention
A healthy diet is an excellent way to gain nutrients that are good for teeth and gums. Vitamins are not only for our oral health but also for the body’s overall health condition. We will discuss in this article the essential vitamins and minerals we need to consume for our teeth and gums.
In reality, we don’t pay attention to these details that much. However, we have to know how these vitamins and the lack of them can affect our dental health. Furthermore, we often overlook the necessary amount required to maintain good oral health condition.
We have the idea that we need these vitamins and minerals, but we don’t know to what extent. Aside from that, we are not fully aware of the potential effects it can give us if we don’t meet the nutrient levels we need.
Vitamins and minerals for teeth
Here are a few of the vitamins and minerals that play vital roles in our teeth and gums. Additionally, we have also provided the common source of these vitamins and minerals and the risks associated when you lack any of them.
Vitamin A
People usually associate this vitamin as a nutrient for good eyesight. Vitamin A is an excellent nutrient necessary for good saliva production. Aside from that, it promotes healthier mucous membranes that coat the gums and cheeks.
- Sample sources: Orange fruits, peppers, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, egg yolks, and fish
- Associated risks: Teeth brittleness, salivary gland degeneration, and increased risk of cavities
B Vitamins
These vitamins help reduce the occurrence of mouth sores and oral inflammation. To be specific, niacin and riboflavin are the B vitamins that play this role.
- Sample sources: Liver and kidney, fish, red meats, dairy products, and dark green vegetables
- Associated risks: Stomatitis (inflammation and pain of the mouth), glossitis (inflammation and pain of the tongue), and oral ulcers
Vitamin C
This vitamin helps maintain the strength of the gum’s connecting tissues.
- Sample sources: Citrus fruits, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, berries, and kale
- Associated risks: Gum inflammation, poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and loosen teeth.
Phosphorus
Calcium shows excellent work if partnered with phosphorus. Both of them will promote notable bone health.
- Sample sources: Milk, cheese, yogurt, red meat, beans, nuts, and whole grains
- Associated risks: Bone deformities, incomplete tooth calcification, malformation of teeth, and increased tooth decay
All of the risks mentioned here also apply to calcium deficiency.
Fluoride
We are all familiar with this mineral. Dentists use this to fight against tooth and gum decay. Additionally, it strengthens the tooth enamel, which is already available inside our toothpaste.
- Sample sources: Tap water, black tea, and seafood
- Associated risks: Greater risk of cavities
Vitamin D
It supports the body’s calcium absorption.
- Sample sources: Direct sunlight, milk, eggs, fish, and cereals.
- Associated risks: Underdevelopment of teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss (for extreme cases).
All of these nutrients play individual roles in our oral health condition. Therefore, you have to maintain a sufficient amount of these nutrients inside your body. Otherwise, you will have an increased risk of developing several oral problems.
Given these points, a healthy diet is what you need to secure that you will get these nutrients appropriately. As shown above, there are plenty of sources to get vitamins good for teeth and gums. Most of them are very common and easy to find in supermarkets. Please try to watch this short video showing how the food we eat affects our oral health.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, eating healthy foods is essential for every aspect of our life, including our body and teeth. For this reason, we have to take precautions in choosing the food we eat. Aside from that, healthy eating habits provide several benefits that can make us live longer.
As has been noted, vitamins and minerals allow us to have healthy teeth and gums. Go to this page for details. We should choose the food that has enough content of these vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, it would be best to consult your doctor or dentist before taking any supplement. They will recommend the appropriate supplement based on your health condition. Under those circumstances, a consultation with your doctor or dentist is necessary for your safety.
In the final analysis, we all know that vitamins and minerals are essential for our dental health. For this reason, we have to maintain its recommended levels to ensure the longevity of our teeth and gums.