Factors that affect Tooth Development
One of the very important factors that affect tooth development is nutrition and it plays an essential role. There are many vital nutrients for the development of a healthy tooth, which includes Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamins A, C and D.
· Calcium and Phosphorus are important for the proper formation of the hydroxyapatite crystals and their levels in the bloodstream are maintained by Vitamin D.
· Vitamin A is important for the formation of an important protein Keratin.
· Vitamin C is important for the formation of the important protein Keratin.
· Vitamin D is important for the formation of the important protein Keratin.
· Collagen is important for the formation of the important protein Keratin.
In addition to nutrients, Fluorides are also important for the development of teeth. Fluorides are incorporated in to the hydroxyapatite crystals of a developing tooth and this makes the tooth more resistant to demineralisation and consequently, its decay.
Deficiencies of these essential nutrients can have a very broad range of adverse effects on the development of teeth. In the case of a deficiency of Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D, the hard structures of the teeth may be less mineralised. At the same time, a lack of Vitamin A can cause a reduction in the amount of enamel that is formed. Fluoride deficiency results in an accelerated demineralisation process when the tooth is exposed to an acidic environment and also delays the remineralisation process, which is harmful for the tooth. However, an important fact to note is that Fluorides in extensive concentration are actually harmful for the tooth especially when it is in the development stages and can cause a condition called Fluorosis.
· Calcium and Phosphorus are important for the proper formation of the hydroxyapatite crystals and their levels in the bloodstream are maintained by Vitamin D.
· Vitamin A is important for the formation of an important protein Keratin.
· Vitamin C is important for the formation of the important protein Keratin.
· Vitamin D is important for the formation of the important protein Keratin.
· Collagen is important for the formation of the important protein Keratin.
In addition to nutrients, Fluorides are also important for the development of teeth. Fluorides are incorporated in to the hydroxyapatite crystals of a developing tooth and this makes the tooth more resistant to demineralisation and consequently, its decay.
Deficiencies of these essential nutrients can have a very broad range of adverse effects on the development of teeth. In the case of a deficiency of Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D, the hard structures of the teeth may be less mineralised. At the same time, a lack of Vitamin A can cause a reduction in the amount of enamel that is formed. Fluoride deficiency results in an accelerated demineralisation process when the tooth is exposed to an acidic environment and also delays the remineralisation process, which is harmful for the tooth. However, an important fact to note is that Fluorides in extensive concentration are actually harmful for the tooth especially when it is in the development stages and can cause a condition called Fluorosis.