How do vitamins and minerals affect your teeth?

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body to keep you healthy, strong, and immune to various health concerns. Artificial vitamin supplements come in several forms, such as powders, gels, pills, gummies, etc. While some are good for the teeth and your dental health as a whole, some may cause unnecessary oral concerns that harm your teeth and soft gum tissues. Here’s a brief look at some of the essential vitamins and minerals that affect your oral health.

Which of them help to improve your oral health?

There are a few notable vitamins and minerals that have a significant positive effect on your mouth. They are:

• Calcium:Calcium is perhaps one of the most prominent minerals present in the teeth. It forms a hard and protective layer around the teeth in the form of enamel. It is also present in the jawbone, which holds the teeth stable and in their orthodontically right positions. Calcium also increases the teeth’ resistance to cavities and helps with remineralization as well.
• Iron:Iron is predominantly present in the blood and is a crucial mineral in our body. A lack of adequate iron in the body can lead to sores in the mouth, swelling and inflammation of the tongue, and other infections of the soft tissues.
• Vitamin C:Vitamin C is supplied to the body mostly through citric fruits and supplements. A lack of vitamin C can inflame and swell the gums, which can then go on to form gum diseases. It can lead to symptoms like the decay of gums, bleeding and discharge of pus, loosening of teeth from their sockets, etc.
• Vitamin D:Vitamin D is indirectly important for the body, as it promotes optimum absorption of calcium. It also increases the body’s immunity to prevent oral infections.
• Collagen: Collagen helps to strengthen all the layers of the teeth and remineralize them.

Should any vitamins or minerals be avoided?

There aren’t any specific studies that state the ill-effects of vitamins and minerals on the teeth. However, excessive consumption of a particular vitamin or mineral may pose health risks. For instance, excessive intake of calcium can lead to calcification in the kidneys, leading to kidney stones. It may also pose heart-related risks and weaken the bones. It would always be a good practice to consult your healthcare provider before consuming supplements.

Please schedule a consultation with our dentists by calling us at (815) 847-9292 or reaching us through an online query, and we’ll be happy to guide you further.