7 vitamins and minerals your mouth needs

ByEstela Felan Updated on

Did you know that a good diet is a key part of your oral health? Make sure your diet features these seven nutritional building blocks, which are essential for your dental health.

Calcium
No surprises here — calcium is well known to be great for your teeth. Throughout the body, calcium helps build bones and provide structural support. In your mouth, this mineral helps harden your tooth enamel and strengthen your jawbone.

What to eat
Milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of calcium. If dairy doesn’t work for you, broccoli, carrots and salmon are also good choices!

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium while boosting bone mineral density, so it’s crucial to get an adequate amount of vitamin D to get the most out of your calcium intake.

What to eat
Your body naturally makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight, but the vitamin can also be found in fatty fish, canned tuna and portobello mushrooms. You can also look for foods and drinks that have been fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice and cereal.

Potassium
Like vitamin D, potassium improves your bone mineral density. It also works with magnesium to prevent your blood from becoming too acidic, which can leach calcium from your bones and teeth.

Phosphorus 
Phosphorus is a mineral that’s present in your bones, teeth and even your own DNA. It works with calcium to create hydroxyapatite, the main structural component of bones and tooth enamel.

Vitamin K
Think of this vitamin as a shield — it helps block substances that break down your bone. It also helps your body produce osteocalcin, a protein that supports bone strength. A vitamin K deficiency can also slow down your body’s healing process and make you more likely to bleed.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening. Did you know that many animals (like elephants and dogs) create vitamin C in their bodies, even though humans can’t?

Vitamin A
Vitamin A contributes to your immune functions, vision and saliva. It helps your mucous membranes stay healthy, which prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly.

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy and the dental plans the A&M System currently offers, visit the Delta Dental TAMUS microsite.

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