Our body, teeth and gums need vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. To ensure proper tooth development and strength, babies, children, adults and seniors need lots of:

• calcium (e.g. yogurt, milk, some cheese)
• phosphorous (e.g. egg, beef, chicken, turkey, halibut, bread)
• vitamin A (e.g. liver, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potato, mango, spinach, broccoli)
• vitamin C (e.g. citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage)
• vitamin D (e.g. trout, mackerel, salmon, tuna, egg yolk, milk)
• fluoride

Here’s why…

Calcium (with help from phosphorous and Vitamin D) is the main component of teeth and bones. It’s what keeps them strong. But we can’t forget about vitamin A because it’s necessary for the formation of tooth enamel or vitamin C which is essential for healthy gums.

Be sure to also drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Tap water also contains fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay. It also helps restore and harden enamel. (ODA)