You want your child’s teeth and gums to remain healthy year after year, and you know how essential it is for them to brush and floss regularly. But what else can you do to help their smile last a lifetime? Discover why you should incorporate certain vitamins and minerals into your child’s diet and what kind of impact they can have on their oral and overall health.
Which Vitamins Should My Child Be Receiving?
When thinking about your child’s diet, you know the importance of minimizing their consumption of sugars and starches to avoid cavities. However, which vitamins prove to be the most beneficial?
- Vitamin D – When your child is playing outside in the natural sunlight, they are receiving vitamin D. However, you must be careful about how much exposure they receive, which is why you can supplement with foods like fortified cereal, red meat, salmon, egg yolks, milk, and orange juice. These will not only help their teeth and bones grow stronger but also reduce the risk of disease by ensuring a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C – Your child’s gums can benefit from plenty of vitamin C, which can be found in spinach, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, strawberries, broccoli, and even Brussels sprouts. While you may have a harder time getting them to eat the last one on the list, plenty of the others have antioxidants that encourage healing while also reducing inflammation.
- Vitamin A – Making sure your child’s salivary glands are working is essential because of its powerful way of neutralizing acids inside the mouth. With enough vitamin A, not only will they produce more saliva, but the risk of infection to their gums is greatly reduced. Carrots, tuna, cantaloupe, kale, dairy, chicken, and meat all contain vitamin A.
Which Minerals Should Be Included in My Child’s Diet?
In addition to essential vitamins, there are plenty of minerals that should also be incorporated, including:
- Calcium – Whether it’s milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, or other grains, calcium is a great way to strengthen tooth enamel and jawbones. It also works to prevent bad bacteria from forming.
- Potassium – This valuable mineral works to absorb calcium, partner with magnesium to prevent loss of calcium, and support tooth density, allowing them to stay strong and healthy. You can add potatoes, oranges, cooked spinach, peas, or mushrooms to your child’s diet.
- Phosphorus – Commonly found in teeth, this mineral works alongside calcium to help rebuild enamel and offer greater protection. You’ll find it in eggs, nuts, dairy products, and various meats.
While these are just a few of the many vitamins and minerals that can improve the health of your child’s smile, this is a great place to start. Allow them to cook up some new recipes in the kitchen with you using some of these ingredients and prepare to receive a positive report during their next dental checkup.
About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists at Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen. Their years of dedicated experience and training make them knowledgeable about the many different ways to help children maintain healthier teeth and gums. From adopting good oral hygiene habits at home to incorporating healthy, nutrient-rich foods as part of their diet, our dentists are here to partner with parents on their children’s oral healthcare journey. Visit our website or call (469) 663-0098 to let us take care of your son or daughter’s smile.