Brushing and flossing are important for oral health, but nutrition and supplements also play an essential part. A lack of nutrition can lead to gum inflammation and tooth loss. The good news is vitamins for your mouth, teeth and gums can be found in delicious foods at your local grocery store. Understanding how these vitamins impact your teeth can help your dental health. Here are some vitamins that promote healthy teeth and gums.

Most people know that calcium is good for bones and teeth. Calcium protects and rebuilds tooth enamel. You can find calcium in milk, yogurt, salmon, sardines, broccoli, collards, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and tahini. You can also take calcium as a supplement.

Phosphorus helps the body absorb and use calcium. You can find phosphorus in meat, milk, whole grains, fish, eggs, and protein-rich foods. You can also take phosphorus supplements.

A lack of Vitamin D can lead to inflammation, cavities, and gum disease. Vitamin D is important for bone and tooth mineralization. Vitamin D can be found in supplements and in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. More sources of Vitamin D include milk and breakfast cereals.

Vitamin C helps keep the tissues in your gums healthy and strong, which hold your teeth in place. Vitamin C can be found in supplements and in foods like citrus fruits, peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, berries, and kale. 

Vitamin A helps your saliva production. Saliva helps break down food and clean bacteria from your teeth. You can get Vitamin A by eating carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, fish, and egg yolks. Vitamin A is also sold as a supplement.

Here are some little-known supplements that you can also try: Lysine (fights canker sores), Coenzyme Q10 (gum healing), Grape Seed Extract (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant), Zinc plus Copper (immunity), Aloe Vera Gel (helps inflamed gums), Green Tea (helps fight decay and plaque), Echinacea (anti-inflammatory and immunity) and Chamomile Tea (aids gum tissues).

If you snack, try to avoid sugary foods such as hard or sticky candy, dried fruits, cake, cookies, pie and crackers. Try snacking on cheese, yogurt, meats, plain nuts, peanut butter, fresh fruits and vegetables, unsweetened breads and cereals. Remember to brush your teeth after snacking, and rinse your mouth to get rid of food particles. You should regularly brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and have annual dental check-ups and cleanings.  

If you want an in-person consultation with Dr. Molayem, a functional dentist in Los Angeles, schedule your visit by clicking here.