Foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals for good oral hygiene of your kids

Often it is hard to convince your kids about the healthy food they should eat and the importance of those foods in their growth and oral health. Especially, when it comes to oral hygiene, parents have to take extra care as the desired growth of teeth in proper and well aligned manner erupt at the age of 5-8 years and you should be aware of all the natural sources which can help your kids' teeth grow stronger and healthier along with maintaining cosmetic aspects of the teeth.

Dr. Arthur, Children dentistry specialist from Monash Dental Group, talks about the importance and impact of different sets of vitamins, minerals and elements and its potential sources for maintaining good oral health along with following good habits like brushing and flossing.

Vitamin A: 

It keeps your mouth wet and prevents bad breath and other disease caused by bacterial growth due to dry mouth and helps in production of saliva which fights against these bacteria. Research has also proved that it also helps in preventing oral cancer.

Sweet potato, green vegetables, cheese, eggs, carrots, Lettuce, dried herbs and dried apricots are some potential sources of Vitamin A which you should try as per its season.

Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B7 and B12: 

It prevents inflammation in a tongue which reduces the production of saliva. It also helps in preventing soreness, bleeding and redness in the gums which may cause by gum disease.

Pork, sunflower seeds, legumes, Sirloin steak, navy beans, potato, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, banana, Meat, fish, shellfish, poultry and milk are some good sources of this vitamin range.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) :

This vitamin helps to reduce gingivitis problems. Lack of vitamin B3 can cause problems like canker sores and bad breath.

Chicken, beef liver and mushroom are some good sources of B3.

Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid: 

A potential source against periodontal disease and yeast infection issues in your mouth.

Brewer’s yeast, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, broccoli, papaya, oranges, grapes, Lima beans and beef liver are sources of folic acid.

Vitamin C: 

It makes your tooth root stronger and prevent tooth lost at an early age. It is also helpful against bleeding gums and in growth, repair and maintenance of soft gum tissues.

Strawberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, bell peppers, potato and papaya are the sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin D: 

It helps human body to digest & absorb the calcium which is helpful in building and growth of the bones. Regular consumption of food with Vitamin D makes the teeth, jawbone and tooth enamel stronger.

Early sunlight is the main sources of Vitamin D. Another source includes oily fish, eggs, milk, cereals, oysters, caviar and mushroom.

Vitamin E: 

It is helpful for restoration and healing process for damaged tissue. When you undergo treatments like root canal, tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal or any other kind of dental surgery, consuming vitamin E rich food will help you heal quickly. It is cutter against white patches in the mouth and helps in preventing oral cancer.

Vegetables oils, nuts, peanut butter, wheat germ are the sources of Vitamin E.

Calcium:  

Calcium is an essential element in the growth of tooth, jawbone and gums. When permanent teeth start to appear, you should give calcium rich food to your kids for proper growth of the gum line and tooth development.

Major sources of Calcium are Milk, dairy Products, fortified juices, law fat cheese, Yogurt, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, sardines and clams.

Fluoride: 

Fluoride prevents tooth decay and also helps in repairing the tooth enamel. It is present in most of the Preventive Dentistry Solutions products like toothpaste and mouthwash.

It is found in certain percentage naturally in drilling water, soil and mineral. Black tea, sardines, potatoes, meat, wheat and Mackerel are other sources of fluoride. If your dentist asked you to consume more fluoride for your oral health, using fluoride based toothpaste will help as a supplement to all these natural sources.

Zinc: 

It is helpful to prevent an abnormal system of smell and taste, also help to improve the bones and promote the healing canker sores.

Beef liver, dark meat of poultry, wheat germs, oysters, Dried Watermelon Seeds, Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder are sources of Zinc.

Iodine: 

Iodine is important for tooth development. Pumpkin, spinach, chocolate, saltwater shellfish and Iodized salt are sources of iodine.

Copper: 

it helps in proper blood circulation to the nerve of the tooth and helps to make the tooth root stronger. Liver, kidney, seafood, nuts, seeds and tap water are some sources of copper.

Iron: 

Iron prevents from Oral Cancer and helps the immune system. Liver, eggs, fish, seafood, other meats, enriched breads, cereals and green leafy vegetables are sources of Iron.

Potassium: 

Potassium helpful for nerve functions and muscle contractions. Fruits and vegetables, legumes, milk, cheese, meats and whole grains are sources of potassium.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary and requires good efforts on regular base. Consuming above mentioned sources will boost your oral health and prevent you from other oral disease and infections. Create a diet which includes above sources as precaution is always better than cure.