The role of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus in maintaining healthy teeth

Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus all play a vital role in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth and gums in both children and adults.

Calcium plays a role in making the jaw bones healthy and strong to hold the teeth in place. However, calcium needs phosphorus to maximise its bone strengthening benefits. Children’s teeth need adequate calcium and phosphorus to form a hard structure during growth.

Vitamin D regulates the body’s balance of calcium and phosphorus and can promote absorption. Vitamin D can also help to decrease inflammation of gums which is associated with periodontal (gum) disease*.

A healthy diet is essential for healthy teeth. The table below shows just some of the foods that contain calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus.
 

Calcium		Dairy foods such as cheese and yoghurt, brown rice, oranges, cabbage, beans, broccoli, salmon, peas.
Vitamin D		Natural sunlight, dairy products, eggs, some cereals, oily fish (tuna, sardines etc).
Phosphorus		Cereals, wheat germ, soya beans, almonds and other nuts, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, grapes, citrus fruit, cucumbers, tomatoes.

Related links:

Food and drink for maintaining healthy teeth
General teeth tips and facts information
Eating well and maintaining healthy teeth during pregnancy

References:

* American Academy of Periodontology, 2008, ‘Nutrition and Your Oral Health’ in Australian Dental Association (ADA), accessed 13 July 2010 from www.ada.org.au