You might be wondering what kind of food should you feed your little one eat to have healthier and whiter teeth. Food with acids and carbohydrates could potentially add to the bacteria in your children’s teeth if they don’t continuously maintain healthy dental habits. With that being said, they must consume food that is rich in vitamins and minerals that make the teeth strong and clean.
But what are the essential vitamins and minerals your children need? You can visit a childrens dentist near your location so that you can get a nutrition plan tailored to their specific needs. However, these are the general vitamins and minerals they may need to get healthier teeth:
1. Calcium
The fact that calcium ensures your children have strong bones and teeth is pretty common. It is especially needed for your children as it can prevent any bone disease and oral health problems in the future. Commonly, calcium is found in most dairy products. However, there are vegetables that are rich in calcium as well – perfect for your child that’s lactose intolerant. Examples of vegetables with calcium are cabbages and broccoli.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, helps regulate the body’s balance of calcium and phosphorus. In addition, it can also promote better calcium absorption and decrease the risk of gum inflammation and other gum diseases. You can get a healthy dose of vitamin D when you soak in the early morning sun or consume foods, such as eggs and oily fish, among others.
3. Potassium
Similar to vitamin D, potassium helps enhance your bone’s mineral density. Along with magnesium, it works to prevent blood from becoming too acidic. This, in turn, can leach calcium from your bones and teeth. Foods that are rich in potassium are avocados, bananas, and citrus fruits, among others.
4. Vitamin K
This vitamin functions as a shield, which helps block substances that may potentially break down the bone. Furthermore, it helps the body produce osteocalcin, which is a protein that boosts bone strength. You can get vitamin K from foods, like parsley, Brussel sprouts, and broccoli.
5. Phosphorus
It is another highly essential vitamin for healthy teeth. This mineral is necessary for maintaining and repairing all of the body’s tissues. It works hand-in-hand with calcium in keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Phosphorus can be found in protein-rich foods, such as eggs, nuts, and meats.
6. Vitamin C
While most of the vitamins are good for your teeth, vitamin C, on the other hand, is good for your gums. This is needed in the formation of blood vessels and other key tissues that support your teeth. It’s also an important nutrient needed for healing. Of course, you can get vitamin C primarily from citrus fruits. Other than that, you can get it from vegetables, such as spinach and Brussel sprouts.
Again, as much as possible, you can consult your childrens dentist near me for a nutrition plan best suited for your growing child. If you’re looking for a pediatric dental clinic that offers nutritional counseling, go and visit Greater Washington Dentistry. We offer counseling and other dental health services for the children in Fairfax, Virginia.
If you want to know more about the services we offer, feel free to get in touch with us.
