A beautiful smile is always accompanied by strong and clear teeth. Many individuals are concerned about how they can make their teeth strong. They do not bother to focus on a nutrient named “Phosphorus” that helps in strengthening the teeth. It plays an important role in dental growth as it provides defense against various oral diseases and tooth complications. Read in detail how phosphorus can make your teeth strong and durable.
Why Phosphorus Is a Key Mineral for Strong Teeth
As the second most abundant mineral found in the body, phosphorus is found in every cell of the body, and helps in performing major body functions like the maintenance of your regular heartbeat and filtration of waste through your kidneys. Energy-providing molecules are also primarily composed of phosphorus. The teeth and bones comprise 85 percent of the total phosphorus in your body, contributing significantly to tooth development. An individual with a deficiency of phosphorus in their body may experience severe tooth and bone complications.
The Role of Phosphorus in Building Enamel and Dentin
The enamel is the outer layer of teeth that provides a solid foundation for them. It is characterized as the hardest substance in the body that protects your teeth from decay and damage. It forms calcium phosphate in crystalline form by combining with calcium.
Phosphorus acts as a structural component of tooth enamel and its underlying layer, known as dentin. It forms a hard and stable material to ensure the toughness and strength of teeth. It enables teeth to undergo the regular wear and tear of chewing and biting. The absence of phosphorus in this process can make your teeth weak and brittle.
How Phosphorus Protects Against Tooth Decay
The minerals on teeth continue to be removed gradually due to the consistent acid attacks by bacteria in your mouth. This process is generally called demineralization. It causes marks on your teeth, ultimately leading to the formation of cavities.
The process of tooth destruction is countered by the process of remineralization. In this process, teeth are repaired by applying minerals like phosphorus to the tooth surface. It fixes the tiny cracks in your teeth. Phosphorus prevents your teeth from acid erosion, making your tooth enamel strong and preserved
How Phosphorus Works with Other Minerals for Teeth and Gums
It is true that phosphorus does possess an important place in the structural and functional development of your teeth, but its combination with various other minerals does provide extra power to your teeth.
The Power Trio: Phosphorus, Calcium, and Vitamin D
The power of phosphorus increases multiple times when it combines with calcium and vitamin D. These three minerals form a gigantic trio, providing power and toughness to your bones and teeth. Your digestive system requires Vitamin D for absorbing calcium and phosphorus from your food, helping your body to effectively use the phosphorus and calcium in your food.
It is necessary to take all of these minerals in a balanced approach so that they can perform their functions rightly. They provoke necessary reactions that can improve your dental and bone health. This is how these minerals reinforce each other to yield the best results.
Supporting Gums and Jawbone Health
You cannot make your teeth strong by caring for the surface of the enamel only. The underneath structure of the gum line should be treated simultaneously for overall dental enhancement. Phosphorus also increases the strength and density of your jawbone. A healthy jawbone is required to support your teeth with proper alignment.
Daily habits like chewing gum. Your teeth may get loose due to an unhealthy jawbone, even if your enamel is strong. It also contributes to the health of oral tissues. Phosphorus also plays a key role in various healing functions of the human body and helps you to recover swiftly from dental procedures and the maintenance of healthy gums.
Other Essential Teeth Vitamins and Minerals
It is true that phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D really support your oral health, but vitamins are also required at every step in this journey. Just take an example of Vitamin A, a vitamin responsible for your saliva production. All of your food particles are washed away, and acids are neutralized with the help of the saliva. Your gums are protected from diseases as well as are supported by their tissue repairment due to Vitamin C. Your bone density is maintained by Magnesium, while working with calcium. The nutrients and vitamins support each other in functioning for the betterment of oral health and dental development.
Food for Strong Teeth and Gums
What you eat with the help of your teeth has a direct impact on your teeth. There are certain requirements for teeth to get strong and function properly. These necessary components can be taken through food that’s good. You should manage your daily diet filled with these minerals and nutrients to have good results on your overall body.
Top Food Sources for Phosphorus and Other Dental Nutrients
You can find phosphorus in your diet quite easily because plenty of food has this valuable nutrient. You can become weakened in a way that it will affect your bones and teeth because of the lack of phosphorus, among other complications. The most effective solution to good oral health is to eat a balanced diet, rich in minerals and vitamins. Among the foods rich in phosphorus and other elements, there are listed some:
Protein-enriched diet: You should take meat, poultry and fish in your diet as they have a high protein value. They provide your body with a sufficient amount of phosphorus.
Dairy products: Make dairy products an essential part of your daily diet. The products like milk, cheese and yogurt not only provide phosphorus to your body but they are also a good source of calcium. Both of these nutrients can enhance your ortho and dental strength.
Plant-based sources: Phosphorus can be taken from the use of vegetables and salads in your daily diet. If you want to take other necessary nutrients also, you should particularly use vegetables with nuts, seeds, lentils and grains as they are a complete source of nutrition.You can focus on adding these food items to your diet so that you can get phosphorus from natural sources.
Are phosphorus supplements necessary for teeth?
Phosphorus is highly common in natural food sources, which makes it rare to take this nutrient through supplements. You can take supplements after the consultation with your doctor. Excess amounts of phosphorus without adequate calcium can be harmful. It may weaken your bones and teeth gradually. You should prioritize taking these nutrients from natural food sources. They provide multiple nutrients that can be utilized by your body for various functions.
Signs of Deficiency and When to See a Dentist
It is rare to have phosphorus deficiency, but it can occur and have negative consequences for your oral health. The signs of deficiency are unclear as they can be weakened tooth enamel, an increased number of cavities and issues with your jawbone. These symptoms may occur due to other health issues. It is better to visit a dentist’s place to have a complete dental check-up. The dentist will analyze the key contributors to your oral health problems and will prescribe you treatment plan accordingly. It is better to act proactively and take nutrient-enriched food along with proper oral hygiene to avoid any dental complications.
FAQs
What foods are high in phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a nutrient that can easily be obtained through many edible items. This nutrient can be found in many products, whether they are animal-based or plant-based. By incorporating dairy products and vegetables, particularly with seeds, grains and lentils, these foods are good for dental health. You can get sufficient phosphorus to maintain the strength of your bones and teeth.
What does phosphorus do to the body?
The importance of phosphorus in the body can be assessed by the fact that it is the second most abundant mineral found in the body. Its presence rate is proof that it helps in performing various body functions. The strength and toughness of bones is maintained primarily by phosphorus, as well as it also maintains your regular heartbeat.
Can lack of phosphorus make your teeth hurt?
Phosphorus is considered a sign of strength and durability of your bones and teeth. Your teeth many not only get hurt, but also attacked by various tooth diseases and complications in case of its deficiency.
How does phosphorus build strong bones?
As the second most found mineral in the body, 85 percent of phosphorus is stored in your bones and teeth. After combining with calcium, it forms calcium phosphate, that is primarily a bone material. Individually, phosphorus helps your bones get stronger by contributing cell growth and repair, and supporting the formation of bones and its maintenance.
Is phosphorus used in toothpaste?
Phosphorus, flowing as an entity, is not used in toothpaste. It reacts with Calcium and Sodium to form calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and makes the tooth enamel resistant by replacing its minerals.
