HOPEFULLY WE ALL know how crucial daily flossing and twice-daily brushing are for healthy smiles, you need to take care of your teeth and keep them clean. It is important that you remember that the foods children eat are also important for their oral health as they develop.
Vitamins Support Healthy Smiles
Antioxidants like
vitamin C help fight inflammation in the gums. Vitamin A helps with the production of saliva, the mouth’s first line of defense. A lot of the B vitamins play important roles in oral health too. Vitamin D makes it easier for the body to absorb all the other vitamins so they can do their jobs.
Vitamins are found in the food we eat. Fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are found in foods such as:
- animal fats,
- vegetables oils,
- dairy food,
- liver,
- and oily fish.
Water soluble vitamins B, C, and folic acid are found in:
- fruit and vegetables,
- grains,
- and milk/dairy products.
Minerals Are the Building Blocks of Healthy Smiles
Minerals are critical too. The most obvious is calcium, which builds strong teeth and bones, but don’t forget that we need magnesium before we can get the most out of calcium. Zinc is important as it helps our immune systems. And iron is super important as it allows our red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout our bodies.
There are lots of healthy
food options you can serve your kids to ensure they get their allotment of minerals. Dairy, leafy vegetables, fruit, and nuts are always a great place to start for snacks to help your child build healthy eating habits.
For Healthy Smiles a Healthy Diet Is Better Than a Vitamin Gummy
A multivitamin can help, but the best way for a child to get enough of all these important vitamins and minerals is to eat a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, dairy, and fish. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about whether your child is getting
enough vitamins. Don’t forget to keep the sugar to a minimum, because it’s the worst thing for healthy teeth and gums!
Morristown Pediatric Dentistry provides dental services for children and adolescents in the Lakeway Area. We strive to provide a fun, caring, and child-friendly environment. We are here to help your children form healthy oral hygiene habits and help them take care of their teeth. We are conveniently located in the heart of Morristown at 950 West 1st North Street. To make an appointment with one of Morristown Pediatric Dentistry’s doctors, please call: 423-581-1877.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
