Research has concluded that tooth decay impacts in excess of 90 percent of the United States population. That said, the problem does not merely impact adults. Studies have shown that this dental malady strikes 40 percent of all youths between the ages of two and 19.
In many instances, tooth decay morphs into more serious issues, such as, cavities and gun disease. Oral care providers maintain that insufficient dental maintenance is often to blame. However, in recent times, these ailments might also be linked to inadequate ingestion of certain key vitamins and minerals.
Houston Pediatric Dental Specialists, serving the youths of Houston and surrounding areas, invites concerned parents to read this brief blog discussing nutrients that are vital to a child’s oral health and ways adults can ensure their children receive adequate quantities of such substances.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D proves critical to a young person’s dental health for several reasons. First, this chemical enhances the body’s ability to absorb bone and tissues building chemicals, like calcium. However, research has proven Vitamin D also stands alone in its ability to strengthen bone density.
The most direct absorption-enhancing method is sunlight exposure. The sun’s rays help the body stimulate production. Therefore, 15 minutes of sun each day goes a long way towards elevating systemic concentrations. That said, Vitamin D is also contained in foods, including fatty fishes, Portobello mushrooms, soy products, breakfast cereals, milk and orange juice.
Iron
Iron proves critical to ensuring sufficient red blood cells quantities. Decreased amounts of these vital blood components can weaken the immune system. This occurrence could leave the gums more susceptible to infection. Fortunately, abundant iron levels are found in edibles, like red meat, fish, eggs, bread, leafy green vegetables, cereal and other types of seafood.
Potassium
Potassium plays a critical role in heightening bone density. Bananas are noted for containing large concentrations of this nutrient. However, appreciable amounts are also found in items, such as, avocados, prunes and lima beans.
Calcium
Calcium is paramount to healthy bone and tooth development. A lack of this substance could precipitate weakened or even deformed teeth that inhibit a young person’s ability to properly bite down or consume food. Luckily, discernible quantities of this nutrient can be found in dairy products, like milk, ice cream, cheese and yogurt, canned fish, including sardines and leafy green vegetables.
Phosphorous
Phosphorus augment’s the body’s bone-strengthening capacities. However, the substance also works in conjunction with calcium to fortify tooth enamel. Phosphorus is found primarily in plant-based products, such as lentils, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and dried fruit. That said, measurable levels are also found in meat, nuts and eggs.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A executes an important role in the tissue regeneration process, which proves critical in the wake of injuries, illness or damage to the teeth or gums. Moreover, this nutrient stimulates saliva production. This liquid material is crucial to the digestion process and in preventing bacterial overgrowth inside the mouth. Many fruits and vegetables are rife with Vitamin A. However, dairy products, red meat, chicken and egg yolks also contain appreciable concentrations of the vital chemical.
The Vitamin B Complex
Members of the Vitamin B complex, especially B2, B3 and B12 possess pathogen-fighting properties and inhibit the development of potentially painful conditions, like mouth sores and embarrassing problems, such as, bad breath. Fish, meats and poultry are a major source. However, the aforementioned B vitamin differentiations can also be found in edible items, like almonds, spinach and dairy products.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is critical to maintaining the health of the blood vessels and connective tissues surrounding the teeth and gums. Moreover, the substance proves critical to immune system-strengthening. Fruits and vegetables are major sources of Vitamin C, especially berries, leafy greens, kiwis, red peppers and oranges.