You know vitamins and minerals are an important part of a healthy diet, but do you know how they affect your teeth? While vitamins play an important role in oral health, too much of a good thing can be bad. Here are our Tampa dentist’s recommendations regarding vitamins and minerals for oral health.
Vitamins and Minerals for Oral Health
While all vitamins and minerals are part of a balanced diet, there are a few that promote positive oral health:
- Calcium – Calcium makes strong bones and teeth, which is why a glass of milk is promoted. Those avoiding dairy can get calcium through foods such as soy, nuts, beans, salmon, cabbage or kale.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D is recommended because it increases the body’s absorption of calcium and the mineral density of bones. A great way to get Vitamin D in Florida is to enjoy a few minutes of sunshine (with SPF protection, of course), but you will also find this vitamin in foods including tuna, salmon, mushrooms, and dairy products.
- Phosphorus – Phosphorous also helps the body absorb calcium for strong teeth and bones. This mineral is often found in seeds, beans, and seafood.
- Potassium – Like vitamin D, potassium, enriches the mineral content of your bones. Find potassium in bananas as well as avocados and tomatoes
- B Vitamins – B vitamins, which include B2, B3, and B12, promote full body health while decreasing the likelihood of getting mouth sores. B vitamins are mainly found in dairy, meat and fish, but plant-based eaters can choose nuts or greens and supplement with pills to get the full range of B vitamins.
- Vitamin C – A Florida favorite found in citrus fruits, vitamin C not only protects immunity but boosts the health of your gums. In addition to oranges and other citrus fruit, look for vitamin C in leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Why Vitamins and Minerals are So Important
Vitamins and minerals deliver specific benefits to your body and your mouth, but they are important because they keep you healthy. If you did not get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals, your body would not be able to fight off bacteria. With oral health, you may become more susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems due to a lack of natural defenses.
With any vitamin or mineral, there is a recommended daily amount you should consume. Overdoing it can be hazardous to your health in some cases. For instance, if you consume too much calcium, you can develop kidney stones. Too much vitamin D can leave you nauseous and dizzy.
Many people think of popping a multivitamin pill to supplement their diet, but the best way to increase consumption of vitamins and minerals is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Schedule a Cleaning
Has it been awhile since you had your teeth cleaned? Schedule your next cleaning right now, so we can make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.