{"id":1043,"date":"2020-10-28T10:32:53","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T15:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryforkids.info\/?p=1043"},"modified":"2024-11-07T17:40:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T17:40:31","slug":"important-minerals-vitamins-for-childrens-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/2020\/10\/important-minerals-vitamins-for-childrens-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Minerals &#038; Vitamins For Children&#8217;s Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brushing and flossing are just the start of maintaining the health of your child\u2019s teeth and gums. There are several vitamins and minerals \u2014 other than fluoride \u2014 that are essential to oral health. If you\u2019ve been regularly brushing your child\u2019s teeth and they have still been experiencing tooth decay or mouth issues, it\u2019s important to evaluate their diet. They may be lacking the vitamins or minerals they need to build and sustain strong, healthy teeth. Outlined below are some of the minerals and vitamins we feel are the most important in improving and maintaining the health of your child\u2019s mouth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minerals That Aid in Tooth Health<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calcium\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some children are told to drink milk to make them strong, and calcium is often associated with strong bones. What parents might not know is that calcium also helps strengthen and protect your teeth. It\u2019s an extremely important mineral for constructing the teeth themselves, and it serves as a protective barrier from bacteria once the teeth are fully formed. This is arguably the most important nutrient your child needs for strong teeth, combined with the minerals and vitamins your body needs to absorb it, which you\u2019ll read about below.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of calcium:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheese<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yogurt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soybeans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark leafy greens such as spinach or kale\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortified cereals such as Raisin Bran or Corn Flakes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enriched breads, grains, and waffles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We understand that milk and dairy products are generally the main source for calcium and lactose intolerant children might feel like their sources for calcium is limited. However, there are a number of over the counter brands that carry calcium supplements specifically designed for children. Make sure your children are getting the calcium that their bodies need!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potassium<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potassium plays three important roles in your children\u2019s teeth. First, it helps teeth absorb calcium, which we\u2019ve already established is important for the creation and maintenance of teeth. Second, potassium works with magnesium to prevent blood from becoming too acidic, which could drain the calcium from teeth. Finally, it serves as a supportive substance in increasing the density of teeth \u2014 without potassium, your children\u2019s teeth can become brittle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of potassium:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bananas\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oranges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooked broccoli\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooked spinach\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potatoes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mushrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mineral is essential during the creation of your child\u2019s teeth because it\u2019s the substance that forms the hard layer of enamel that protects teeth from bacteria and leftover food. Magnesium also helps promote blood flow and promote the absorption of calcium, further strengthening and protecting your children\u2019s teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of magnesium:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spinach\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legumes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeds\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole grains\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phosphorus\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phosphorus is an essential mineral for many bodily functions, including building the instructional integrity of your child\u2019s teeth. Most people aren\u2019t concerned with adding phosphorus to their diet because it\u2019s naturally found in common foods, but you may need to supplement your child\u2019s phosphorus intake if your family has a history of low phosphorus levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of phosphorus:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lentils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuts\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole grains\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essential Vitamins for Teeth<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin A\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin A greatly affects your overall oral health as it promotes the flow of saliva in your child\u2019s mouth. Having an adequate salivary flow is essential for healthy gums, which serve as the foundation for teeth. It helps the gums by allowing them to heal properly, reducing the risk of infection to protect your child\u2019s gums and cheeks. Saliva also plays a crucial role in wiping acid that is lingering on the surface of each tooth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of vitamin A:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carrots\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuna<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Butternut squash\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet potato\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spinach\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cantaloupe\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin C\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin C is similar to vitamin A in that its main purpose in the health of your child\u2019s teeth is through protecting their gums. As an antioxidant, it promotes healing in your child\u2019s gums and reduces inflammation \u2014 both essential to your child\u2019s oral health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of vitamin C:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oranges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peppers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broccoli\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brussel sprouts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strawberries\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin D<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin D and calcium go hand-in-hand in creating healthy, strong teeth. While calcium is the mineral your children need to create dense teeth, vitamin D allows your child\u2019s body to absorb it. Your child will not be able to benefit from their calcium intake if it\u2019s not able to be properly absorbed through their body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Good sources of vitamin D:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sunlight for about 15 minutes\/day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red meat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salmon\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Egg yolks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortified milk\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortified cereal\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact the Pediatric Dental Experts in Des Moines and Ankeny<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating these essential nutrients into your child\u2019s diet should improve the health and strength of their teeth while increasing their overall health. It\u2019s important to remember that how you take care of your child\u2019s teeth now can affect their health and help them avoid complications when they\u2019re older. If you need additional advice on optimizing your child\u2019s oral health, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryforkids.info\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact the Pediatric Dentistry of Central Iowa team<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to schedule an appointment. Our dentists would be happy to walk through healthy dental habits that are specific to your child\u2019s needs. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brushing and flossing are just the start of maintaining the health of your child\u2019s teeth and gums. There are several vitamins and minerals \u2014 other than fluoride \u2014 that are [ <a href=\"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/2020\/10\/important-minerals-vitamins-for-childrens-teeth\/\">more <i class=\"fas fa-chevron-circle-right\"><\/i><\/a> ]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1571,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Important Minerals &amp; Vitamins For Children&#039;s Teeth ","_seopress_titles_desc":"Your child&#039;s diet can be crucial in ensuring they get the right vitamins &amp; minerals to maintain healthy teeth. Learn about which foods are most important!","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1043"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1043\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1308,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1043\/revisions\/1308"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}