Vitamins That Help Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the harder outer portion of your teeth that protects your teeth from decay. According to Crest Pro Health, tooth enamel is the strongest mineral substance in your body -- even stronger than your bones. Without proper dental care and nutrition, your tooth enamel can decay. Decayed tooth enamel can not be restored. There are a number of vitamins that can help protect and strengthen your tooth enamel.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C -- also known as ascorbic acid -- is essential in the growth, development, maintenance and repair of your body's tissues, bones, cartilage and teeth. Vitamin C also helps your body to form collagen. According to the American Dental Hygienist's Association, collagen is found in a substance known as dentin. Dentin is a crystallized structure comprised of collagen and mineral calcium phosphate that helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Vitamin C can be supplemented or found in a number of foods. Food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli, strawberries and kiwi.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D -- also known as the sunshine vitamin -- plays a vital role in allowing your body to properly absorb and use calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body, responsible for the growth, development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones and teeth. The American Dental Hygienists' Association indicates that vitamin D helps to deposit calcium and phosphorous into the crystals that comprise your teeth. Vitamin D can be supplemented or received through sun exposure. It is rare to find vitamin D in foods, but food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, fish and liver along with fortified products -- such as cereal, bread and milk.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can help to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Your tooth enamel contains keratin, a protein that requires vitamin A to form, says the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Vitamin A also helps to boost your immune system and help fight infections that may occur within your mouth. Vitamin A can be supplemented or found in a number of different food sources. Food sources of vitamin A include liver, citrus fruits, orange vegetables, fortified milk and dark, leafy, green vegetables.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is also essential in promoting the strength of your tooth enamel. This vitamin plays a role in binding calcium to your teeth and bones. Vitamin A can also prevent tooth decay by preventing acid from sitting on your teeth. "The Vitamin Book" indicates that vitamin A also helps to produce a protein known as osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is important in drawing calcium to your teeth. Vitamin A can be supplemented or consumed through a variety of different food sources. Sources of vitamin K include soybeans, dairy products, green vegetables an broccoli.