Vitamins and minerals

Every nutrient which builds health appears to play some role in the prevention of tooth decay. Much tooth decay can be prevented if all persons, whether children or adults, obtained at least 1,000 units of vitamin D daily. Calcium is essential to maintain dental health. Adequate calcium can be obtained if sufficient milk is given daily to children and yoghurt is genrously used by adults. A lack of calcium makes teeth susceptible to decay. The gums recede and the teeth often become loose and crooked, with ugly spaces showing between them.

The vitamins of the B group play an important role in preventing tooth dcay. People who do not take adequate niacin have unclean mouths, heavily coated tongues, often foul breath and rapidly decaying teeth. Vitamin C helps to prevent decay by forming a strong foundation in the dentine, which contains the minerals. In short, all vitamins and minerals help to keep the teeth beautiful. A person susceptible to tooth decay should adopt a well-balanced iet containing all the essential nutrients.

Even though person's teeth may by free from decay, unhealthy gums can lead to an unattrctive appearance. Abnormalities of the gum tissue result from deficiencies and combinations of deficiencies. When vitamin C is under supplied, the gum bleed easily, recede, become infected, and pyorrhea may quickly set in. A person suffering from these abnormalities hould include 300 or more milligrams of vitamins C daily in the diet. A glass of fresh citrus juice in the morning is of great value in keeping the gums pink and healthy. Lack of vitamins A can also lead to infections of the gums, causing them to look pale and unattractive. In such cases, more iron should be added to the child.