Posted by MODESTO KIDZ DENTAL on May 8 2023, 09:25 PM
For parents, it can be challenging to ensure that they give their children the right vitamins and minerals. However, it can be even harder to ensure that their children are receiving the right vitamins and minerals for their teeth and gum health.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex family. It is involved in many bodily functions like metabolism, brain function, normal cell growth, production of hemoglobin, and formation of antibodies. Vitamin B6 is also needed for the body to produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals used to regulate mood and behavior.
Children need vitamin B6 for normal brain development and function. It also helps prevent anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells in the body. Vitamin B6 also aids in the formation of myelin sheaths, which protect nerves and allow for proper nerve signaling throughout the body. B6 is found in many natural food sources, including bananas, dairy, poultry, fish, legumes, potatoes, eggs, nuts, avocados, garlic, whole grains, and more. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause symptoms that affect the skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. Talk to your child’s doctor if you think he or she may need a supplement of this vital nutrient.
Children need vitamin D to help their bones and teeth grow properly. This is a natural vitamin that is found in the sun. However, when children spend a lot of time in front of electronic devices or inside, they might not be getting enough of the sunshine needed to produce this vitamin naturally. This can lead to a deficiency in children who do not get outside often. A doctor can recommend supplements if your child has a vitamin D deficiency.
There are also foods that include vitamin D in them. Milk is one great source of vitamin D. Other foods, including mushrooms, cheese, yogurt, and fish, also contain this vitamin.
When you take your child to see the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning, you can ask them about vitamin D levels and how to increase them with food consumption and other healthy habits.
Calcium helps develop strong bones and teeth, and it’s found naturally in many foods. Cheese is one of the best sources of calcium for kids’ teeth and gums! Other food sources include milk, yogurt, broccoli, kale, tofu, salmon, almonds, and fortified cereals. Your children don’t have to love or like these foods to get the nutrition they need for their teeth and gums, but getting them to try new foods can help build healthy habits that will last them a lifetime.
You can also give your children supplements, such as a chewable multivitamin, which are formulated especially for growing children and are available at most pharmacies. For infants, you can give your baby formula that has added vitamin D, which helps with bone growth. Children can also take certain medications to help prevent cavities, including fluoride supplements, acid blockers, and antibacterial mouth rinses. Talk with your pediatric dentist about which medication might be right for your child.
Phosphorus is necessary for healthy bones and teeth because it is needed in the process of creating collagen. Collagen is the substance that creates the strong and flexible structure of teeth and bones. It is required in the production of tooth enamel as well. Phospholipids are another type of phosphorus compound that is found in oral tissues. They are responsible for stimulating the regrowth of gum tissues and new bone cells after a tooth has been lost or extracted. A lack of this mineral in the body can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health complications.
This vitamin can be found in most foods. Some of the best sources of it are dairy products, fish, meat, and seeds. If you are concerned that your child may be deficient in this essential nutrient, talk to a pediatric dentist about the best supplements to take.
Schedule an appointment with Modesto Kidz Dental to make sure your child is in optimal dental health. We are at Bldg B, 2801 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355. Contact us at (209) 578-3131. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
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