How Vitamins and Minerals Affect Your Teeth

You are what you eat, and the foods you choose directly impact dental health. So, what are the vitamins that affect your teeth?  Find out what your teeth need and what you should be eating to improve dental health and wellness. Talk to the team at HollowBrook Dental, a Colorado Springs dentist about a free dental consultation today.

You have probably been taught from childhood that calcium is good for your teeth. This is a mineral that affects your teeth in a positive way, making them stronger and harder. Calcium is found in dairy products, as well as oily fish, like salmon, and leafy greens.

Vitamin D is also vital to dental health as it aids in the absorption of calcium. Calcium and Vitamin D are like peas and carrots- a perfect pair. You will find this nutrient in oily fish, mushrooms, and foods that have been fortified, like milk or cereals.

Potassium improves the density of your bones and prevents acidity in the blood that can take calcium away from teeth. For a daily dose of potassium, eat bananas, avocados, chard, and lima beans.  

Phosphorus is another mineral that affects teeth in a good way. It is part of the team that builds stronger bones and teeth; find phosphorus in seafood, soybeans, and lentils. Meats like pork and beef are also sources of this nutrient.

Vitamin K is a preventative nutrient; it blocks unhealthy substances and toxins from your teeth and bones. If you lack this vitamin, it will take you longer to heal after injury or wound. Find Vitamin K in foods like leafy greens, Brussel sprouts, and parsley.

Vitamin A is a nutrient that aids in healing, especially sores or issues in the mouth. You will find Vitamin A in leafy greens, liver, eggs, and fish. Also look for foods rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Some foods rich in beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin.

While Vitamin C has benefits for oral health, such as strengthening the soft tissues and gums in your mouth, it also can be damaging and destructive to the enamel of your teeth. The longer it stays on the teeth, the more chance of it degrading your tooth enamel. Avoid chewable Vitamin C supplements and don’t use toothpastes enhanced with Vitamin C or citrus additives, when possible.

Mineral water sounds like a good supplement, right? Not necessarily- mineral water can damage and deteriorate your tooth enamel. Stick to regular or still water instead.

Know that not all vitamins are the same and you should avoid packets of effervescent vitamins. These fizzy multivitamins can corrode and damage the enamel of your teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to decay. If you do have acidic food or drink, neutralize the impact with dairy foods, like milk, right away.

If you live in Colorado Springs, talk to our team at HollowBrook Dental, a Colorado Springs dentist, about a free dental consultation today. Make sure that you always consult with your dental and medical providers before beginning any supplements or making changes to your diet.  Some vitamins, minerals, or foods may interact with other medications or health conditions. Contact us today!