As a parent, you want your children to be healthy. This means that you want them to have good oral health. Unfortunately, tooth decay is something that affects both adults and children. In fact, it affects more than 80 percent of adults and more than 40 percent of children in the United States.

In addition to having a good oral health routine to prevent cavities and gum disease, there are steps you can take as a parent to include vitamins and minerals in your child’s diet to boost their oral health. Here are a few of the key vitamins and minerals that make for healthy teeth and gums.

Calcium

Consuming more calcium is the perfect way for children to have healthy teeth. This mineral is an essential building block for both teeth and bones, including the jawbone. When a child consumes the right amount of calcium, their teeth will be strong, which means that they will be able to bite through food. When a child lacks calcium in their diet, the body takes calcium from the bones and teeth.

Children and adults need to consume foods that are rich in calcium. An easy way to get more calcium that the body can absorb is through dairy products, like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Other foods that contain calcium are canned fish, fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, and products that are based on soy.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for having strong teeth. It improves bone mineral density and helps the body to absorb calcium.

Families that live in places that get a lot of sunshine should spend at least 15 minutes outside each day. You can boost your child’s levels of vitamin D by making sure they are exposed to sunlight. If you live in an area that does not get a lot of sunlight, you may need to supplement vitamin D in order for your children to have healthy and strong teeth.

Vitamin D is found in a variety of foods, like dairy products, breakfast cereals, and fatty fish. It is also found in orange juice, soy beans, and portabello mushrooms.

Phosphorus

This is another mineral that helps the body absorb calcium. It works with calcium to build enamel in the teeth and protect it. It also is important when it comes to the strength of the bones.

Foods that contain phosphorous include dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, lentils, soybeans, and nuts. Phosphorus is also found in meat and seafood.

Iron

Iron plays an important role in helping the body maintain a healthy level of red blood cells. This helps the body to fight disease and infection. When your child’s diet lacks iron, your child may have a weak immune system.

Foods that contain iron include leafy green vegetables, bread, seafood, eggs, and red meat.

B Vitamins

Vitamins B2, B3, and B12 can prevent bad breath and mouth sores. Good sources of these B vitamins include leafy greens, almonds, and dairy products. They are also found in poultry, fish, and meat.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps the body produce and maintain tissues like mucous membranes and teeth. It also promotes saliva production. The right amount of saliva in the mouth helps to remove bacteria and food particles.

Make sure your children are eating egg yolks, leafy greens, orange fruits and vegetables, chicken, and red meat in order to get enough vitamin A in their diet.

The Right Vitamins and Minerals Lead to Healthy Teeth

When the vitamins and minerals mentioned above, along with vitamin C and potassium, are included in the diet, both children and adults can have healthy smiles. Parents may decide to give their children supplements if they are picky eaters.