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Vitamin D is obtained
from fluid milk, fortified
soy and rice beverages,
margarine, fatty fish such
as salmon, and moderate
exposure to the sun.
Fluoride is key. To a large
extent, cavities can be
prevented by giving
children fluoride in the
first few years of life.
Fluoride is supplied
through fluoridated water
(not all municipalities
fluoridate their water
supply, however),
beverages made with
fluoridated water, tea, and
some fish, as well as many
brands of toothpaste and
some mouthwash.
Fluoride supplements are
available for children who
don’t have access to
fluoridated drinking water.
It is wise to check to see if
the water supply in your
JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE
area is fluoridated. Excess
consumption of fluoride
can cause mottling of the
teeth.
Also needed are
phosphorus, magnesium,
vitamin A, and beta
carotene. In addition to
calcium and fluoride,
minerals needed for the
formation of tooth enamel
include phosphorus (richly
supplied in meat, fish, and
eggs) and magnesium
(found in whole grains,
spinach, and bananas).
Vitamin A also helps build
strong bones and teeth.
Good sources of beta
carotene, which the body
turns into vitamin A,
include orange-colored
fruits and vegetables and
the dark green leafy
vegetables