The human body consists of the skeletal, muscle, and nervous system: neurons, and neuroglia. We also know that vitamins and minerals are essential for human nourishment, growth, and balance, and the same is said for your children’s mental and physical development. Did you know that vitamins and minerals are also necessary for dental wellness? Our bodies are connected or tuned to each other organs and cells, including the gums and teeth. While we all know that brushing and flossing are essential practices for our children’s oral health, consuming specific kinds of food and liquids can also have long-term effects. A lack of intake of one or more of the vitamins or minerals can result in a permanent impact on your kid’s oral health. With the proper intake of vitamins and minerals, you’ll help keep your child’s teeth, gums, and bones strong and healthy.

A child’s body undergoes significant changes as they mature. The whole body and its organs like bones and teeth are in constant growth and development until then. With the right amount of vitamins and minerals, your child’s gums, teeth, and bones will be healthy and prevent oral health issues at an older age.

Vitamins and Minerals

Here is a list of vitamins and minerals to include in your children’s diet to ensure that they have strong and healthy teeth and gums.

• Calcium – Calcium is not only essential for healthy, solid bones but strong and healthy teeth as well. It also aids in the development of teeth while working to keep them strong once they’ve erupted. As calcium circulates throughout the body, the teeth and mouth will have all the calcium they need. With the right amount of calcium as a child, you’ll help reduce oral complications later in life due to weakened teeth and bones. Ensure your child eats plenty of dairy-enriched foods, leafy greens, and even salmon to receive plenty of calcium.

• Vitamin A – It provides immune support and great vision and is needed in the body for healthy gums while promoting salivary flow in the mouth to ensure the gums heal properly and stay healthy for a strong foundation for the teeth. Foods like fish, carrots, and leafy greens will give the vitamins your child needs. 

• Fluoride – Known as nature’s cavity fighter because it can stop the development of cavities. Fluoride, in healthy amounts, can help develop strong, healthy enamel, giving the teeth the protection they need to fight off bacteria-causing cavities. Many companies that produce drinking bottled water have a certain percentage of fluoride, or you can use fluoride dental products or supplements.

• Vitamin D – It plays a vital role in developing bones and teeth because it allows the body to absorb calcium. Vitamin D is best used to help and benefit from calcium. Your child will get plenty of vitamin D from sunlight, dairy products, and fish oils.

• Iron – It is the foundation for the proper development of teeth and the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can produce a wide range of oral and overall health complications, so make sure your child eats red meats, spinach, and beans.

• Phosphorus – Works with calcium to protect and rebuild the enamel of a tooth. Our bodies contain large amounts of this vitamin, with most of it found in our teeth. Therefore, replenishing phosphorous is essential for the maintenance and repair of our teeth and body tissues. Many protein-rich foods, like dairy, eggs, meats, nuts, and legumes, are a good source of Phosphorous. 

• Magnesium – Magnesium plays a critical role in developing healthy bones and teeth and helps the body absorb calcium. It also has long-term benefits that are necessary to build healthy teeth and tooth enamel. Nuts, beans, dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, and seeds are good sources of magnesium.

Conclusion

These suggestions are only guidelines to help support good oral hygiene habits. We recommend that you incorporate these vitamins and minerals into your child’s daily diet to help boost their overall health as well as oral health. 

Your child’s oral health not only relies on the foods they eat but the dental care they receive, and we will help your children develop a beautiful, healthy smile to last a lifetime. 

For more information on scheduling a visit, visit Children’s Dentistry of Arlington, and we will be happy to help you with any queries you may have.