When you think of oral health best practices, what comes to mind? For many it’s brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting a checkup and cleaning every six months. While these are all certainly important, there is another essential component of achieving pristine oral health that patients often forget: consuming the right nutrients. After all, you need to keep your teeth healthy from the inside-out too! To learn the vitamins I recommend as a dentist, read on.

#1. Calcium

Calcium isn’t just essential for your bones, it’s essential for your teeth. In fact, the National Institutes of Health named calcium one of the most important minerals! The good news is that there are a wide variety of foods that are high in this essential vitamin, including canned salmon, kale, and almonds. Even better, dairy products, like milk and yogurt, are both high in calcium and light in color, helping you maintain nice, white teeth.

#2. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is extremely important when it comes to oral health in large part because it helps your body absorb calcium! Therefore, it’s important to fill your diet with meat, eggs, milk, and other phosphorus-rich foods and beverages. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, don’t worry – there are other ways to meet this goal, like whole grains or supplements.

#3. Vitamin D

Over the years, researchers have found that vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to several dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. The good news is that incorporating this essential vitamin into your diet is as easy as taking a supplement each day! Otherwise, you can stock up on milk, breakfast cereals, and oily fish, like salmon.

#4. Potassium

Potassium is important for multiple reasons, including the fact that it aids bone mineral density and helps the blood from becoming too acidic. Therefore, incorporating a healthy amount into your daily diet can help both your oral and overall health. Some good sources of potassium include bananas, beans, tomatoes, avocados, and prunes.

#5. Vitamin K

Have you heard of Vitamin K? Essentially, it helps shield substances that break down bone. Furthermore, a vitamin K deficiency can cause complications, like slowing down your body’s healing process. This can be a nuisance if you are struggling with a canker sore or are recovering from a restorative treatment, like root canal therapy. So, be mindful to include Brussel sprouts, broccoli, parsley, and other vitamin K-rich foods in your diet.

Remember, keeping your smile happy and healthy is about so much more than how often you brush and floss. Consuming the right foods is just as important!