It’s crucial for patients to maintain proper oral health during orthodontic treatment, and the following vitamins and minerals can help!
Everyone knows how vitamins and minerals are incredibly important in terms of keeping our bodies healthy on a daily basis, but not as many folks ever think about which vitamins and minerals are specifically good for their teeth!
It’s incredibly important to keep your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment, and all of us at JK Orthodontics want our patients to be well informed when it comes to the types of daily supplements that support oral health.
So below are some of the vitamins and minerals that patients and parents should keep in mind to help keep teeth shiny and healthy while going through braces or Line-M-Up™ treatment!
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy With Calcium-Rich Foods & Supplements
We all remember those Got Milk advertisements on TV, so it’s safe to say that a lot of people understand the importance of calcium in terms of bone growth and overall health. But a lot of people forget that our teeth are also technically bones, and that calcium is actually an incredible nutrient for oral health as well.
Calcium is known for hardening up a patient’s jawbone and tooth enamel, which reduces the likelihood of jaw pain and cavities. But of course you don’t have to worry about you or your child’s calcium intake when you don’t like milk or have a lactose intolerance, and this is because calcium is found in many different foods.
Yogurt and cheese are common foods that are high in calcium, but leafy greens like kale, broccoli and collard greens also provide a ton of calcium. And if you like fish, then you’re in luck. Salmon and other fish entrées tend to be jam-packed with calcium!
Vitamin A
Not a lot of people know this, but Vitamin A is incredibly useful in terms of helping people with saliva production. Saliva is crucial for oral health, because it reduces bacteria in our mouths and helps us more properly break down and digest foods while eating.
Vitamin A is also well known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel, and many foods rich in Vitamin A just so happen to taste fantastic. Bell peppers, carrots and sweet potatoes are some of the most popular food items that are ripe in Vitamin A, and fish and egg yolks are also good sources of the vitamin as well!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D often coincides with calcium in terms of its ability to supply your teeth and bones with nutrients. Without sufficient levels of Vitamin D, you could potentially develop oral health issues like gingivitis and cavities.
Although most of our Vitamin D consumption comes from the sun, it’s also important to get Vitamin D when it’s not sunny outside or during the winter months when it’s cold. Vitamin D supplements are always a great option for orthodontic patients to keep in mind, and you can also eat fish like salmon to get a ton of Vitamin D at dinnertime!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another very important nutrient for your teeth, because it does wonders in terms of strengthening your gums. Strong gums can help you avoid loose teeth, which is sometimes an issue for orthodontic patients with Vitamin C deficiencies.
Vitamin C is found in abundance within citrus fruits, which include grapefruits and oranges. You can also find high levels of Vitamin C in sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, raspberries and strawberries.
Phosphorus
Although less popular than some of the vitamins and minerals in the above sections, phosphorous is a great supplement to improve oral health. Phosphorus helps the body absorb calcium, which helps make teeth and bones much stronger.
Phosphorus is also great for helping orthodontic patients avoid cavities, and it boosts tooth enamel. Phosphorus is commonly found in food products like chicken, fish, eggs, and other foods that are very high in protein.
Contact The JK Orthodontics Team To Learn More Dietary Tips For Your Orthodontic Treatment!
JK Orthodontics is one of the top orthodontic treatment providers in the Columbus Metro Area, and we’re proud to support our patients with more than just traditional orthodontic services. We also understand how great orthodontic treatment coincides with great oral health, and we’ll be there for you or your child throughout every step of the treatment process.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-766-0330 (Dublin office) or 614-471-6355 (Gahanna office) to schedule your initial consultation appointment with Dr. Karpac!