Important Vitamins and Minerals for Children's Teeth and Gums

A balanced diet is crucial for your child's overall health, and getting the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals each day can be difficult for some children. Whether your son or daughter is picky about what they eat or eats too much junk food and not enough healthy foods, they may not get the recommended dose of vitamins daily.

Several types of vitamins are essential for a child's healthy growth and development, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, folate, and more. Additionally, some vitamins have additional benefits, such as calcium for healthy teeth and bones and probiotics to help regulate the digestive tract. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is the best way to get all the vitamins your child needs for good health. However, if they aren't getting enough of what they need from their diet alone, a multivitamin can help fill the nutritional gap.

Here are some very important vitamins and minerals that should not miss your child's diet:

Vitamin D

While vitamin D occurs naturally in only a few foods, it can be taken as a supplement through vitamin pills or in powdered form added to food or drinks. This nutrient can help promote bone health and mineralization throughout the body in addition to healthy teeth. Getting enough vitamin D may help prevent gum disease in children. However, some children may need more vitamin D supplementation than others, depending on their dietary habits and lifestyles. Talk to your child's dentist about the right dose of vitamin D for your child.

Calcium

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients when it comes to protecting the overall health of the teeth. It helps to promote the formation of strong bone tissues, and it also helps to prevent osteoporosis which is a condition that causes weak and fragile bones. Calcium for children is especially crucial because it helps to strengthen the jawbones. A lack of calcium in children can lead to improper growth of the teeth and can also lead to early tooth loss. 

Folic Acid

Many women take prenatal vitamins, but did you know it's important for your children to take these as well? Folic acid is a vitamin that helps prevent birth defects when taken before and during pregnancy. Your child can get folic acid through food such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. If he or she does not eat these foods daily or is not getting enough of them, then it may be a good idea to take a supplement.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vitamin that promotes healthy teeth and gums, and it also supports the body's natural healing process. Vitamin C for oral health is especially important for children who are more prone to developing cavities when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugar to create harmful acids. These acids can cause pain, inflammation, and tooth decay if not controlled. 

Phosphorus

Proper phosphorus levels help the body form strong bones and teeth. For children, this mineral can help with their growth and development. It's also important for developing a strong jawbone, which helps with chewing food properly. However, it's important to balance this nutrient with other minerals like magnesium and calcium, since too much phosphorous can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Foods high in phosphorous include dairy products, chicken, beef, fish, nuts, legumes, beans, whole grains, and eggs. Most foods have fiber in them, which suppresses the excretion of phosphorus. This helps to prevent excessive intake. 

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