There are many vitamins and minerals that ultimately contribute to the formation of bone and tooth and preservation. However the strengthening of tooth enamel is depends on some minerals and minerals that are calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. These vitamins work together to support the proper structure and functioning of teeth. An adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential to keep your teeth healthy and to fight dental cavities.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium better. If the body is able to absorb enough calcium, then you may be able to prevent most of the bone loss in your body. The sources of Vitamin D are sunlight, sunflower oil and seeds etc.
Calcium: Calcium is one of the essential mineral needed for strengthening the teeth because one third of your body’s bones and teeth are made of calcium. Especially in infants and youth it is required for teeth to fully develop. Calcium is deposited in bones during your development years. After this period you will no longer have calcium deposited in these bones, but you will want to make sure your body doesn’t want for calcium in other areas and need to pull the calcium from your teeth or bones.
However your body does not make calcium on it’s own, you need to take from your daily nutritional diet. A shortage of calcium can affect your teeth develop. Calcium deposits in your teeth are in the form of crystals of hydroxyapatite. Your teeth absorbs calcium better when your body has adequate levels of vitamin D and magnesium.
Calcium also helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and also plays an important role in sustaining your bones that hold your teeth in place. Food sources of calcium include raw tofu, fortified soy milk, orange juice, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach, amaranth leaves and dairy products.
Fluoride: Fluoride forms fluoroapatite by working with calcium and phosphorus. These flouroapatite crystals found in your teeth are more tolerant to corrosion than hydroxyapatite crystals. This helps to prevent tooth decay. Natural sources of fluoride include shrimp, sardines, salmon, potatoes and mackerel.
Magnesium: It helps in maintaining the structure of your teeth. Deficiency in magnesium or a relatively high calcium-to-magnesium ratio, can cause an increased risk of periodontal disease. Spinach, legumes, chocolate, nuts and cereal grains are the natural resources of magnesium.
Phosphorous: It forms the crystals that make up the structural matrix of teeth. When it combines with the calcium and the casein from dairy, it forms a protective protein film over the enamel surface of your teeth. This protective protein film helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Chocolate, poultry, meat, fish, eggs and milk products are the natural sources of phosphorous.
Zinc: It is also one of the mineral that contributes in maintaining the structure of your teeth. Zinc heaps on both the surface of your teeth and in lower concentrations in the subsurface material of your teeth. Dairy foods such as yogurt, milk and cheese are a good source natural source of zinc.
Iron: It also contributes to dental health but more closely impacts the soft tissues surrounding your teeth such as your gums and tongue. Iron prevents sore tongue, inflammation of the oral tissues and difficulty in swallowing. Organ meats, enriched or whole grain cereals and breads, legumes, oysters and clams are the sources of Iron.