Taking daily vitamins and minerals is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, strengthen your immune system and shine bright like a diamond!
But are gummy vitamins okay to eat with braces? After all, gummies and chewy candies are on the no-go list during braces treatment. Here’s everything you need to know:
The Role of Vitamins in the Body
First, let’s dive into the world of vitamins. You can take certain vitamins to grow your hair, help clear your skin complexion, and improve your brain function, so as you can imagine – there are vitamins that can help support your teeth throughout orthodontic treatment too!
Benefits of vitamins and minerals
Taking vitamins has a range of benefits, from improved eyesight and greater heart health, to reduced stress and anxiety, brighter skin complexion and stronger teeth!
Our bodies are filled with natural vitamins that facilitate proper function and growth of our cells – and our cells are responsible for everything that goes on in the body. In fact, our bodies are just a big, beautiful clump of cells. Vitamins are a one-stop solution for living a healthier and happier life.
Certain vitamins hold certain benefits. For example, Vitamins C, D and E are three of the best vitamins to support healthy skin cell function. To strengthen your teeth and gums, you can focus on adding more calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and potassium to your diet or through supplements.
Vitamins and Orthodontic Treatment
So how does this all apply to you during your treatment with braces or Invisalign®?
Vitamins that support your teeth, gums and jaw bones can promote healthy tooth movement, speed up the orthodontic process, and help you reveal a bright smile when your orthodontic treatment is complete!
Gummy vitamins with braces
Gummy vitamins are more desirable for children than traditional, solid vitamins of course (yay sugar!) But is taking gummy vitamins a good idea with braces? Here are a few things to consider:
- Gummy vitamins hold fewer minerals and vitamins than traditional, solid vitamins.
- Flavored gummies can make a considerable dent in your recommended daily sugar intake of fewer than 25 grams. Some gummies have upwards of 8 grams of sugar in them!
- Some gummy vitamins also have harmful additives, like Red #40 and Yellow #6 in them. These chemicals are known to cause hyperactivity in children, difficulty focusing, and may even increase the risk of certain cancers.
We think it’s best to avoid gummy vitamins during orthodontic treatment and opt for solid traditional vitamins!
Which vitamins can you take with braces?
We’ve determined that solid vitamins are probably the best way to go when supplementing your diet, but with so many vitamins out there, which ones should you choose?
Here are the top 3 vitamins and minerals for stronger teeth and beautiful treatment results:
1. Calcium
Calcium is a no-brainer when it comes to your smile. Calcium is a powerhouse for bones and teeth. It strengthens enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth that has the key responsibility of preventing cavities, discoloration and erosion.
It’s recommended that young adults intake about 1,300 mg of calcium daily. This will help support your teeth and provide them with the strength they need to move quickly and healthily for the best treatment results.
Adding calcium to your diet:
You can find loads of calcium in milk, cheese, yogurt and leafy vegetables (like spinach, kale and collard greens). Try adding an extra slice of cheese to your lunch, or grabbing a milk on the go. You can also choose a calcium vitamin or supplement to get your daily dose!
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is a key mineral essential for the proper development of the jaw bones and gums – two very important parts of your smile. Magnesium (along with other minerals) comprises the structure of the teeth and helps maintain bone density.
In order to move your teeth to a beautiful new formation through orthodontic treatment, we need strong teeth and jaw bones that can react appropriately to your braces’ guidance.
Magnesium also works hand-in-hand with calcium, helping the body absorb calcium. Double win!
Adding magnesium to your diet:
You can find magnesium in beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, wheat and fruits like avocados, bananas, kiwis, raspberries and cantaloupes. Try a fresh fruit salad for your next snack! Of course, you can also supplement with a magnesium daily vitamin.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D does wonders for our bodies! Like magnesium, it helps us absorb calcium and plays a key role in bone and tooth remineralization. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain healthy gums and keep bacteria at bay.
Studies published by the National Library of Medicine have shown that “supplementing with vitamin D was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of dental caries (cavities) compared with no supplement”. This is more than enough reason to add more vitamin D to your day!
Adding vitamin D to your diet:
The average person should intake about 600 IU of vitamin D daily. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, dietary changes and supplementing with a daily vitamin.
As the winter approaches in Alabama, getting enough vitamin D in your day is more important than ever! Aim for up to 30 minutes of natural sunlight a day with your arms and face exposed to the sun.
Add vitamin D-rich foods, like eggs, butter, yogurt, cheese and fish to your grocery list. And of course, you can add a daily vitamin or chew to your diet!
Still have questions about vitamins and orthodontics?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through orthodontic treatment and ensure that you achieve beautiful, lifelong results. If you’re looking for advice – or just want to chat about your child’s treatment – we’re here for you.
Still considering orthodontic treatment? We’re proud to offer a variety of desirable treatment options for all ages! Choose from traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners. We’ll help you make the best choice for your smile on your first visit.
Ready to get started? Request your complimentary orthodontic exam with our experienced orthodontists in Montgomery, Millbrook, Wetumpka today! Or get started with a virtual smile assessment from home.
Let’s take your grin to the next level!
