4 Important Vitamins for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Vitamins are an essential part of a healthy diet, and they play a role in keeping your body healthy. Vitamins are also necessary for keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Listed below are the five vitamins that are essential for healthy teeth and gums.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps produce and repair connective tissue throughout the body, including in your gums. Collagen makes up a large portion of gum tissue, so it’s important not to have a vitamin C deficiency if you want healthy gums. A lack of vitamin C can lead to loose teeth, bleeding gums, and gingivitis. Fortunately, vitamin C is readily available in citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and oranges.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is essential in the development and maintenance of healthy tooth enamel, as well as the development of a healthy oral microbiome. In fact, research indicates that people deficient in B-12 are more likely to develop periodontal disease than those with adequate levels of this vitamin. In addition, gum disease is linked with poor B-12 absorption, potentially creating a vicious cycle. B-12 is also an important nutrient for red blood cell production, which boosts circulation and improves overall bone health.

Because B-12 is primarily found in animal products such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and cheese, vegans tend to be at higher risk for these deficiencies. However, some foods such as breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast also contain high quantities of the vitamin. If you suspect you may be deficient or you desire to maintain optimal levels, talk with your dentist or healthcare provider about supplementing your diet with B-12.

Vitamin D

Your teeth and gums need vitamin D to absorb calcium, but your body can’t produce it on its own. Instead, you have to get it through food or supplements, like cod liver oil. Your body stores the vitamin in your liver and fatty tissues, and it’s responsible for regulating your levels of calcium and phosphate. It also plays a key role in your teeth and bone health – without it, your bones can become weak and brittle.

Low levels of vitamin D can lead to gum disease, so it’s important to get enough in your diet or take a supplement. This is especially true if you drink heavily or use tobacco, which can lower your vitamin D levels. Getting enough vitamin D can also reduce your likelihood of developing heart disease and cancer, as it increases the strength of your immune system. It can also help preserve your vision as you age because it’s an antioxidant.

Vitamin K

One group of vitamins that your body needs for healthy teeth and gums is vitamin K. These nutrients help protect your mouth from bacteria and infections that could lead to disease. They can also help decrease inflammation throughout your entire body, not just in your mouth. Some common sources of vitamin K include kale, broccoli, spinach, milk, butter, and lean meats. It’s also found in smaller doses of eggs, cereals, beans, rice, and salad ingredients. When your body has the proper amount of these vitamins, you are more likely to have a healthy mouth and fewer problems with gum disease or decay. 

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