Vitamins and Minerals for Kids Teeth

As kids grow and develop, their teeth are growing along with them. Some of the same vitamins that parents give to their children to promote overall well-being may actually be supporting dental health as well! If you are worried that your child’s dental health is at risk, it’s a good idea to speak with your pediatric dentist for advice and try implementing some vitamins into their diet. You may be surprised to learn that some of these common vitamins and minerals are already in your child’s favorite foods and drinks.

Beneficial Vitamins and Minerals

The following vitamins and minerals are vital for developing strong and healthy teeth in children:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is the vitamin that helps to form structures in the mouth such as mucus membranes (the protective lining covering various soft tissues) and teeth. Having enough vitamin A is essential to maintain strong, healthy teeth.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is extremely beneficial for your gums! In fact, people who have issues with bleeding gums may have a serious vitamin C deficiency. Blood vessel formation is supported by vitamin C, so getting enough is very important.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium—another key nutrient necessary for strong and healthy teeth.

Phosphorus

According to Medline Plus, this mineral is “the second most abundant mineral in the body.” Additionally, phosphorus works together with vitamin D and calcium in the formation of strong teeth and bones.

Calcium

This is the MOST abundant mineral in the human body! Calcium works together with vitamin D and phosphorus to make sure that the teeth and bones are as strong as they can be. In fact, some studies have found that calcium + vitamin D help to prevent bone loss (which leads to tooth loss) in adults.

Good Sources of Vitamins and Minerals for Kids Teeth

Sometimes it can be tough to figure out how to make sure that your kids are getting enough of their vitamins. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to give them a variety of healthy foods that are high in important nutrients. Some of the following vitamins and minerals can be found in these sources:

Vitamin A

Carrots, poultry, dairy, meat, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, spinach, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, and more…

Vitamin C

Citrus fruits, pineapples, kiwi, watermelon, broccoli, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, and more…

Vitamin D

Fortified cereals, milks and juices, cheese, salmon, tuna, mackerel, eggs, spinach, soybeans, kale, white beans, and more…

Phosphorus

Seafood, dairy, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, nuts, pork, poultry, beans, whole grains, soy and more…

Calcium

Dairy, sardines, canned salmon, beans, spinach, kale, collard greens, tofu, and more…

Multivitamin Supplement

If you are looking for a more substantial way to give your kids most (or all) of the essential vitamins that they need, try a supplement. These are great for a wider variety of key nutrients and they often come in fun, colorful shapes and flavors for kids.

Please note that there are many more kinds of foods that contain all of the above vitamins and minerals for healthy kids’ teeth. To learn more about nutrition and dentistry, click here. Advanced Children’s Dentistry is a pediatric dental practice in Garden City, NY where Dr. Sybil Padavathil combines a comforting environment with an educational experience for all of her little patients. Schedule a pediatric dental appointment at 516-758-KIDS.