“What vitamins strengthen teeth?”

Hello,

The different layers of teeth are much like our bones; except each tooth layer is made out of different amounts of minerals. We take understand milk to make strong bones because it is loaded with calcium. Our teeth have calcium in them as well. Arguably the most important layer of the tooth to be strong is the enamel. This layer is glass like in nature. It is amorphous (smooth with no holes) and it is very brittle. It would break without the underlying dentin layer. Enamel gets mineralized with calcium and phosphate. When there is a high acidic environment in the mouth, these minerals leak out of the teeth into the saliva. The saliva brings more calcium back in when the acid level drops low again. The ease of which this calcium leaks out of the teeth is based on the strength of the bond holding it in. Fluoride has a much stronger bond to the the enamel then calcium does which makes it more resistant to the acid attack. This is the reason why fluoride has been pushed into public drinking water and recommended by dentists for decades. In fact, fluoride has the strongest bond of all safe ions. Hope this helps.

My best to you!

William F. Scott IV, DMD

Once teeth develop, they can't really be strengthened. However, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth, and may be viewed as "strengthening" as fluoride also helps desensitize teeth.

As a mature adult there no vitamins that will strengthen tooth structure as the tooth is fully formed and no longer in a growth phase, blood flow to the tooth likely diminishes as we get older owing to the gradual color changes of teeth exhibited in the elderly. As a middle aged adult the most beneficial therapy would be electric brush, flossing, waterpik and non alcohol fluoride containing mouth rinses.

Vitamins can help with the health of your gums. They will not do much for your teeth. I would need to see blood test and your entire physical history and what you actually take to suggest supplements. Every individual has different needs based upon their lifestyle and diet.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Fluoride, that is how it works. It makes teeth stronger and more decay and fracture resistant.

The same ones that "strengthen" the rest of the body. No vitamin is specific for teeth.

Vitamins will not play any role. Good brushing, flossing habits, and healthy diet are more important at this age, and no overconsumption of sugary, carbonated drinks.

There are no specific vitamins that can strengthen your teeth. However you can't go wrong by taking vitamins that can strengthen the bone around the teeth like calcium supplements and vitamin D. The only thing you can do to help your teeth healthy and free of cavities is to brush and floss daily, see your Dentist and Hygienist regularly, and accept when they offer you the Fluoride Treatment..