Food and Your Teeth
Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need many essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. In fact, to ensure proper tooth development and strength, babies, children, adults and seniors need lots of:
• Calcium (e.g. yogurt, milk, some cheese, milk shakes, eggnog)
• Phosphorous (e.g. egg, beef, chicken, turkey, halibut, bread)
• Vitamin A (e.g. liver, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potato, mango, spinach, broccoli)
• Vitamin C (e.g. citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage)
• Vitamin D (e.g. trout, mackerel, salmon, tuna, egg yolk, milk)
• Fluoride
Here’s why…
Calcium (with help from phosphorous and Vitamin D) is the main component of teeth and bones. It’s what keeps them strong. But we can’t forget about vitamin A because it’s necessary for the formation of tooth enamel or vitamin C which is essential for healthy gums.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. In children, it works with calcium and phosphorous to help strengthen enamel, and in older adults, it helps restore and harden enamel.
Article courtesy of Ontario Dental Association. For more information visit www.youroralhealth.ca.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
