4 Essential Vitamins for Your Child's Teeth and Gums

Vitamins are important for children's teeth, gums, and overall health. They help your child's body grow and function properly, including their teeth. Vitamins also support your child's immune system, which fights off infection and illness.

Vitamin D

Vitamin A is another important vitamin for strong teeth. You can find vitamin A in foods like milk, eggs, and liver. This vitamin is crucial for the growth of bones and tissues in the mouth. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause the malformation of the teeth and jawbones.

Vitamin D is also essential for good oral health because it supports healthy bone growth. You can find vitamin D in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as in fortified milk and cereal. When calcium and phosphorus work together to build bones, vitamin D helps the minerals absorb into the growing tissue. Having enough vitamin D in your system also helps regulate the immune system. This means that the body is less likely to form painful mouth sores when you have a cold or infection.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is found in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, strawberries, kiwi, papaya, red bell peppers, and cantaloupe. It plays a vital role in a healthy immune system. It also aids in collagen synthesis and helps build and repair connective tissue in the body, which is especially important for your gums. Collagen is a component of gum tissue that provides strength to your mouth. When vitamin C levels go down in the body, it can affect gum tissue health by causing gums to be inflamed and easily bleed when brushing or flossing. Vitamin C may also prevent tooth loss from periodontal disease.

This vitamin can be consumed in supplement form as well. However, getting enough of it from your diet should be sufficient to maintain healthy gums.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, also known as biotin, is found in many foods, including bananas, chicken, eggs, fish, lentils, peanuts, potatoes, salmon, soybeans, turkey, walnuts, and many other vegetables. This vitamin promotes not only healthy hair and skin but also supports healthy tissue growth and repair of blood vessels and the digestive tract. It also helps maintain normal nerve function and supports brain health. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can result in stunted growth, fatigue, skin problems, depression, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle inflammation and weakness. However, too much of this nutrient can interfere with other vitamins and cause liver problems, nerve damage, and even psychiatric disturbances.

If your child is eating a well-balanced diet, they likely consume enough vitamin B6 for healthy teeth and gum tissues. However, if your child has gum recession or periodontal disease, they may benefit from adding a supplement to their routine. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A promotes soft tissue health and boosts the immune system, which aids in protecting your child's teeth against the development of oral infections like gum disease or tooth decay. Your child's body also needs vitamin A to create saliva, which helps wash away harmful oral bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum problems.

The most important source of dietary vitamin A is animal-based products like milk, cheese, eggs, butter, fish, and liver. Plant-based sources of vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and cantaloupe. A multivitamin can also provide your child with these important nutrients.

If your child doesn't enjoy eating these foods, you can always consult with your pediatric dentist about child-friendly supplements that can increase levels of this essential vitamin. By getting enough of this important substance, you can help ensure your child develops a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!

Aurora Children's Dentistry, located in Anchorage, AK, offers the best dental care services to patients with the help of modern technologies and expert dentists. Dial (907) 336-1234 and schedule an appointment with our dentist to learn more about dental care services and receive a complete dental checkup.