Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleaning are important steps in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In addition, evidence shows that vitamin deficiencies make teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, boron, and B vitamins, which are important in forming strong bones, are also needed to maintain strong teeth. Vitamin D – lack of which is being recognized as a factor in osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, depression, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain – has also been shown to prevent cavities. Dozens of studies conducted in the 1930’s and 40’s showed that supplementing children with Vitamin D helped to prevent cavities.
In addition to regular dental care, the following guidelines can help strengthen teeth and prevent decay:
- Replace soda, energy drinks, and juices with water.
- Reduce the amount of sugar and sweets in your diet and focus on “real” whole foods.
- Vitamin D can be made in your skin by exposing it to sunlight. Especially in the spring and summer, exposing as much of your body as possible to the sun on a regular basis can help you maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. It’s important to avoid sunscreen (which blocks the production of vitamin D) and not to get a sunburn (which can increase your risk of skin cancer).
- If you don’t or can’t be in the sun, take 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily with a meal.
- Take a good multi-vitamin that supplies calcium, magnesium, and other bone building nutrients.
Healthy habits combined with important nutrients can help make your teeth stronger and your visit to the dentist more pleasant.
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