We all know that vitamins are essential for our health. Whether we get them from supplements or diet, they are the building blocks for our bodies and when we are deficient, our bodies know it. Your teeth are no different and need these nutrients to help them respond successfully to orthodontic treatment. Here is our list of must-have vitamins you should make sure you are taking daily for a healthy smile!
Vitamin A:
Helps with saliva production, fights bacteria growth within your mouth, maintains the health of your mouth’s mucous membranes and tissues, and supports bone health allowing for successful movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment without damage to your jaw.
Foods rich in Vitamin A: Bran cereals, broccoli, eggs, melons, orange fruits/vegetables, skim milk, spinach, sweet potatoes, yellow fruits/vegetables
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Helps to support the health of soft tissues in your mouth, prevent fissures. Low vitamin B2 levels have been shown to be a cause of secondary burning mouth syndrome, a painful condition known to affect people of any age.
Foods rich in Vitamin B2: Beef, eggs, fish, milk, mushrooms, tofu
Vitamin C
Helps to strengthen the immune system, speeds up the recovery of wounds, prevents inflammation and bleeding, which is especially helpful for those wearing braces since they can cause irritation and bleeding within your mouth.
Foods rich in Vitamin C: Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, green peppers, leafy greens, oranges, red peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, winter squash
Vitamin D
Helps your body with proper calcium absorption.
Low levels of Vitamin D can cause burning mouth syndrome, bone loss, or damage. This can seriously impact the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.
Foods rich in vitamin D: Cheese, egg yolks, fish, milk, yogurt
Calcium:
Strengthens bones and teeth, decay protection, fights gum disease, improves the healing process of bones affected during orthodontic adjustments.
Foods rich in calcium: Almonds, beans, cheese, leafy greens, milk, yogurt
Iron:
Helps to reduce and prevent mouth sores, reduces inflammation of the tongue, improves the immune system, strengthens teeth, increases energy, regulates your body’s temperature, and helps those with low iron levels or anemia.
Foods rich in iron: Bran cereal, broccoli, dark chocolate, lentils, some nuts, soybeans, spinach
Magnesium:
Helps in the support and proper formation of gum tissue, bones of the jaw, muscle function, and heartbeat.
Foods rich in magnesium: Bananas, dark chocolate, fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains.
Adding these necessary vitamins and minerals to your diet or with supplements is important whether you are undergoing orthodontic treatment or not but is especially important while you are wearing braces. They are vital for your overall health as well as making your teeth and jawbones strong enough to handle the pressure from orthodontic treatment.
Ready to get started with your orthodontic treatments? Give us a call today at 281-225-6784 to schedule your consultation.