Vitamins and Minerals Your Mouth Craves

Posted on July 24, 2018 in Dental Health

Your daily vitamin (yes, we’re even talking about your gummy vitamins) has benefits beyond your body — your smile needs vitamins and minerals to be healthy too.

Here is a tooth-friendly list of vitamins and minerals for teeth:

Calcium
99% of the calcium in our bodies is stored in our bones and teeth, providing structural support. A reduced intake of calcium can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.

Looking to up your calcium intake? You can find it in dairy products, spinach, beans and fish, like salmon and trout .

Iron
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, and can cause an inflamed or sore tongue. Sores may also develop inside the mouth when iron is low.

You can find iron in beef, chicken, beans, potatoes and spinach. 

Vitamin B2
Also known as riboflavin, this is another imperative nutrient that contributes to the health of your mouth’s soft tissue. Low riboflavin levels can cause health issues such as secondary burning mouth syndrome.

Get your fill of riboflavin from dairy, spinach, organ meats, mushrooms and almonds.

Vitamin C
This vitamin is not only helpful for your immune system, but plays a crucial role in protecting your gums from easily bleeding and your teeth from coming loose prematurely. Vitamin C also helps increase iron absorption. 

Fill up on citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries and tomatoes. 

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for your oral health. It is the vitamin that supports the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D and calcium work together to strengthen your teeth, reducing your risk for tooth decay.. 

You can find vitamin D in fatty fish like salmon, egg yolks and fortified foods like milk and orange juice. If you get your dose of vitamin D from the sun, make sure to slather on the SPF to protect your skin.

To get your tooth-friendly vitamin intake, keep taking those daily vitamins and check out these healthy recipes.