June 5, 2023

Vitamins And Minerals – Friends Of Our Teeth

Our oral health is directly impacted by our diet and a balanced diet, comprising the right amount of vitamins and minerals, helps in the development and maintenance of the oral cavity and craniofacial regions. Vitamins and minerals are crucial to preserving the health of the mouth cavity and controlling physiological functions.

Calcium

Calcium, a mineral, is a major component of bone tissue and also the hard, outer covering of our teeth called enamel. Calcium intake is very important during childhood when bones and tooth enamel is forming as without enough calcium bones grow weaker and the tooth becomes softer and more porous. Calcium also helps our teeth to remineralize after being damaged or demineralized by acid erosion and works with phosphorus to produce saliva which contains calcium phosphate that helps neutralize acidic plaque and prevent tooth decay.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a key role in bone and tooth mineralization and boosts the body’s calcium absorption rate. It is obtained mainly from sunlight and when vitamin D levels are unregulated it can lead to the defective and hypo-mineralized dentition, which is highly susceptible to fracture and decay. According to studies, vitamin D concentrations are associated with higher periodontal destruction, severe periodontitis stages and higher tooth loss.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is commonly obtained through diet. It is the most important hydrophilic antioxidant and a specific cofactor in a variety of enzymatic reactions.

Vitamin C aids the synthesis of collagen, an important protein in the formation, support and maintenance of teeth. It also promotes calcium deposition and mineralization, as well as lowering the risk of secondary caries in children. In humans, a total vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, dry skin, open sores on the skin, fatigue, impaired wound healing, and depression.

Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It also assists the remineralization of early tooth decay. Excess fluoride consumption, on the other hand, can cause toxicity, which manifests as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, central nervous system depression, and hypotension. Chronic Fluoride toxicity can have long-term effects on teeth and bone. As a result, teeth can become opaque or white, lose luster, and develop yellow patches (fluorosis).

Dr. Lakshmi Ramgopal