Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by our body to support the proper functions of our body. There are many vitamins that are essential for teeth and gum health.
Vitamin B-12
B-12 is an important vitamin that supports the health of your teeth, gums, lips, tongue, and mouth. If your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B-12, it can cause a vitamin deficiency that can lead to poor oral health and gum disease.
Vitamin B-12 supports healthy blood and cell growth in the body. It helps the body form red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This is an essential function that helps support overall health and wellness. Without red blood cell formation, the cells in your body would be deprived of oxygen and would quickly die off.
The gum tissues are nourished by a steady supply of blood that also serves to remove plaque and other toxins from the gums. A lack of nutrients or vitamins in the diet can weaken your immune system, leaving your gums vulnerable to infection from bacteria and debris. This can lead to swollen gums, gingivitis, and even periodontitis if left untreated.
Vitamin B-12 also supports the health and strength of the bones in your mouth. This means that vitamin B-12 is essential for supporting tooth enamel and preventing the teeth from becoming weakened or worn down. When there is insufficient vitamin B-12 in your diet, it can damage the root of the tooth and cause tooth loss.
Vitamin A
The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, made of minerals like calcium. That hard exterior needs to be periodically replenished by your body in much the same way that other parts of your body do (like your bones). That’s where vitamin A comes in – it’s a nutrient that helps strengthen your teeth and bones. There are both preformed vitamin A and the active form known as beta-carotene. Both are good sources of vitamin A, but the body also converts beta-carotene into preformed vitamin A as needed. You can receive this vitamin from foods like egg yolks, liver, fortified milk products, and cheeses. Your body also naturally produces vitamin A on its own.
Some research suggests that consuming enough vitamin A may help ward off gum disease. One study found that participants who consumed more of this vitamin had less gum inflammation than those who didn’t eat as much of it. Another found that participants with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop gum disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine just how much vitamin A you need to consume to maintain healthy gums.
Vitamin D
While vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, it also aids in bone strength. Without it, your jawbone is at risk for fractures as well as other issues. You can get vitamin D from the sun or from supplements; additionally, many foods are fortified with this vitamin, such as milk or other dairy products and cereals. If your diet lacks this essential vitamin, consider taking a supplement to boost your intake of vitamin D.
Vitamin C
Though vitamin C is not usually considered a vitamin required for teeth and gum health, this essential nutrient plays an important part in maintaining your oral tissues. In addition to being an antioxidant, vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen, which keeps your gums healthy and reduces inflammation in your gums. Getting enough of this vitamin can also help combat gingivitis and keep your teeth strong and healthy.
To increase your intake of vitamin C, try getting more citrus fruits and leafy greens in your diet. You can also take vitamin C supplements to help boost your intake. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is important for maintaining good oral health for several reasons. First, it can help reduce inflammation in the gums, which reduces the risk of gingivitis. Additionally, it may help reduce damage to gum tissue caused by certain over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin. Finally, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, applying vitamin E oil directly to the gums may help reduce the appearance of canker sores in the mouth.
In addition to supplementing your diet with vitamin E, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet and follow proper oral hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and seeing your dentist every six months will help keep your gums healthy and strong!
To learn more about our dental care services or to schedule an appointment with us, contact Premier Dental Connections, New Port Richey, FL, by calling us at (727) 376-2299.
