4 Vitamins & Minerals to Support Your Child's Dental Health
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals contributes to your child’s overall wellness. If you want to strengthen their dental health, introduce the following nutrients to their meals in addition to seeing a children’s dentist for regular care.
Which Vitamins & Minerals Does Your Child Need for Dental Health?
1. Calcium
Calcium is a dental health powerhouse, strengthening enamel and supporting the jawbone as your child grows. It can also help prevent tooth loss later in life. To ensure your child gets enough calcium, stock your kitchen with beans, fortified dairy, leafy greens, cheese, and nuts.
2. Vitamin D
Without adequate levels of vitamin D, your child’s body will have trouble absorbing calcium. These two vitamins together to encourage bone strength and healthy growth. The sun is one of the best sources of vitamin D, so encourage your child to play outside. You can also serve them fatty fish, eggs, cheese, and fortified dairy and cereals.
3. Vitamin A
Foods rich in vitamin A promote healthy saliva flow, cell development, and membrane health. This can clean your child’s mouth of bacteria and help them avoid dry mouth. Fill your child’s plate with orange-colored foods like sweet potatoes and carrots to boost their vitamin A levels. You can also find this nutrient in fish, eggs, and leafy greens. If your child is experiencing dry mouth or frequent infections, talk to your children’s dentist about additional solutions.
4. Vitamin K
Vitamin K protects dental bone and enamel from breaking down. It can also improve your child’s ability to heal from dental procedures or injuries. Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach are some of the best sources of vitamin K, so encourage your child to eat them daily. If your child rejects leafy greens, try hiding them in a fruit smoothie.
Your child’s dental health starts with the right children’s dentist. Families on Oahu and Maui have entrusted the team at Pedodontic Associates with their family’s oral care for over 25 years. These children’s dentists work with young patients of all ages to prevent dental diseases and encourage healthy habits. They also provide emergency care. To make an appointment for your child today, call (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. You can also visit them online to access new patient forms and learn more about their practice.