Essential Nutrients that Help Your Teeth Stay Healthy
Have you ever given much thought to how much your teeth do for you? They help you pronounce words clearly, break down food, and give your face and smile structure and beauty. Of course, in order to do that, they need some help from you so they can stay healthy and strong.
Calcium
Your teeth have an outer shell-like layer called enamel that protects your teeth from cavities and erosion. Calcium is one of the nutrients that helps strengthen your enamel so that it can stand up against the acids, sugars, and bacteria that can wear it away. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt can be good sources of calcium. That isn’t the only way to get calcium in your diet though. Beans, almonds, and leafy green vegetables can also be a good source of calcium, as can calcium-fortified foods like juices, soy milk, tofu, and even waffles. Just be careful to watch the sugar content.
Vitamin D
Calcium is great for your teeth and bones, but unless you’re able to absorb it, it isn’t going to do you much good. Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that helps your body better absorb the calcium it needs. The best part is that there are a couple of different ways you can get the vitamin D you need. One option is to spend time outside in the sun. Even just 15 minutes in direct sunlight may be enough. Otherwise, consuming foods that are rich in vitamin D can work as well. Milk, eggs, and fish are a few foods that you can eat to get the vitamin D you need.
Fluoride
If you’ve been to the dentist much, you may have heard them talk about using fluoride. Fluoride is helpful for re-mineralizing your enamel and fighting against gum and tooth decay. You can find fluoride in toothpaste and sometimes even just the water you drink. If your water is properly fluoridated and you’re drinking enough of it, you may not need any other sources of fluoride. If it isn’t, you may be prescribed a special fluoridated toothpaste to help you get the fluoride you need to protect the health of your teeth.
Providing your teeth with the nutrients they need to stay healthy is an essential part of taking care of them. Your teeth need an ample supply of calcium, vitamin D, and fluoride in order to stay strong. Take some time and go through your diet to see where you can include sources of these essential nutrients on a regular basis.
It takes more than just eating healthy to have healthy teeth. Your child needs the help of a dentist who understands the unique dental needs of children. Contact us to get your appointment with a quality pediatric dentist set up today.
