Often, one of the first things you notice about a person is their smile. So it’s not surprising that many of us want to have a nice smile. In order to have a nice smile, you have to have nice teeth. And in order to have nice teeth, you need to keep yours healthy.
Routine brushing and flossing and regular visits to Babylon Dental Care are keys to healthy teeth, but did you know that there are supplements you can take every day to help keep them healthy?
The Importance of Maintaining Good Dental Health
Healthy teeth do more for you than just give you a great smile. Keeping your teeth and gums in top condition is key, as they are the gateway to maintaining the overall health of your body. One way bacteria can enter your body is through your mouth. If your oral health is not properly maintained, bacteria can travel from your mouth to your respiratory and digestive systems.
Bacteria can also breed right in our mouths and cause oral diseases like tooth decay and periodontal disease. The inflammation bacteria causes can lead to inflammation elsewhere in the body. Periodontal disease can lead to cardiovascular and other issues, like heart disease and stroke.
Supplements You Can Take to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, there are supplements that you can take to help keep your teeth healthy. Many of these supplements are affordable and accessible at your local grocer, drug store, or health food store. You could take:
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D is a hormone that your body absorbs from exposure to sunlight. The fat-soluble vitamin helps your body’s digestive system absorb calcium. Vitamin D is responsible for bone growth and helps mineralize teeth. Teeth mineralization strengthens the enamel on teeth. If you’re not able to get enough exposure to the sun, perhaps due to working a job that’s indoors or being in a climate that is more cloudy than sunny, you can get your Vitamin D from other sources. Vitamin D is also present in food like milk, cereal, fish, and supplements. The recommended supplement intake for Vitamin D is about 15 micrograms (mcg) or 600 international units (IU) for adults and children over the age of 1 and 20 mcg or 800 IU for adults over the age of 70.
- Calcium – Calcium is a mineral, and it’s important for the teeth. Like Vitamin D, it helps support strong bones and helps your body’s systems function. Calcium is actually stored in your teeth, and it helps keep your teeth strong. The recommended intake for calcium supplements varies by age, from 260 mg a day for babies to 1,300 mg a day for teens. Your dental professional can discuss whether you need calcium and recommend an appropriate dose.
- Vitamin C – This vitamin is water-soluble and works to help your body fight free radicals that you absorb from your food and the environment every day. It also helps strengthen our teeth and keep our gums strong. Strong gums contribute to healthy teeth because they support your teeth. It’s recommended that you receive your Vitamin C in supplement form because the acidity of Vitamin C in liquid form can damage teeth enamel if you’re not utilizing proper oral hygiene. The recommended intake for Vitamin C varies depending on age and sex. For adult men, it’s recommended to take 90 mg of Vitamin C per day, and for adult women, it’s recommended to take 75 mg of Vitamin C per day. Recommended intake for children varies. See your dental professional about an appropriate dosage.
- Phosphorus – Phosphorus is a vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium. It can strengthen your teeth by protecting and rebuilding your tooth enamel. Although most people get sufficient phosphorus through diets that include milk, fish, eggs, whole grains, and protein-rich sources, your dental professional can determine whether you are in need of phosphorus supplements.
- Vitamin A – Another vitamin that is critical to your tooth health is Vitamin A. In addition to being good for your skin and eyes, this workhorse is great for saliva production. Saliva is instrumental in breaking down the food and bacteria that may get hung up between your teeth. Everyone knows that Vitamin A is present in carrots, but it’s also in other orange fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, egg yolks, and fish. If you don’t get enough Vitamin A, supplements are available. Sufficient saliva production is critical to the health of your teeth.
Contact Us
If you think your teeth aren’t as strong and healthy as you wish they were, we may be able to help. Call Babylon Dental Care for an appointment. We can evaluate your situation and make recommendations. You can reach us at (631) 983-6665.
