What Nutrients Do Teeth Need?

What Nutrients Do Teeth Need?

April 8, 2021

Teeth can last a lifetime if you take excellent care of them by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our dentists in Gilbert, AZ, every six months. However, it isn’t only taking these actions that help. Eating the right foods is vital too.

What Nutrients Do Teeth Need?

Your teeth require a mix of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. These nutrients include:

  • Vitamin C – This is found abundantly in citrus fruits.
  • Vitamin D – This is the sunshine vitamin you get from being out in the sun or by consuming fortified cereals, oily fish, and eggs. It helps absorb calcium too.
  • Vitamin K – This is in spinach, broccoli, fortified cereals, soybean, and canola oils.
  • Vitamin A – This is in dark green, leafy vegetables, orange fruits and vegetables, liver, egg yolks, and fish.
  • Calcium – This mineral is in milk, including fortified plant-based milk, cheese, and other dairy foods. It’s also in legumes and green leafy vegetables.
  • Phosphorus – This mineral is in foods with protein like meats, eggs, nuts, beans, and dairy foods.
  • Potassium – This mineral is crucial because it makes bones stronger by improving their density. Eat bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and dates for a daily dose of potassium.

How Vegans Can Improve their Dental Health

If you eat a vegan diet, there are several things our dentists at Smiles of Gilbert Dentistry can advise you to do to keep your pearly whites healthy.

Calcium is the most critical mineral for teeth as it strengthens bones and enamel. Consuming calcium-fortified plant-based milk and cereals can provide the mineral your teeth need. For Vitamin D, spend about 20 minutes outdoors absorbing the sun.

Since vegans don’t get the required amino acids because they don’t consume meat, they should eat more soy products, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas to get these vital nutrients. If you’re concerned about your teeth due to your diet, book a consultation with our dentists near you in Gilbert, AZ, to have your teeth examined and get advice about your smile. We can help you achieve a healthier smile.

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