5 Essential Vitamins For Teeth and Gums

5 Essential Vitamins For Teeth and Gums

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to maintain your oral health. However, relying on a nutritious diet alone may not be enough. Your body also requires certain vitamins in order to keep your teeth healthy. Listed below are the top 5 vitamins that are essential for maintaining good oral health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight’s ultraviolet rays. Many people don’t get enough vitamin D since it is hard to get from food sources. There are many benefits of vitamin D for teeth, including the regulation of calcium absorption, promotion of bone formation, prevention of inflammatory bone loss, and protection of the alveolar bone that holds the roots of the teeth in place. Vitamin D has also been found to inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria. Eating foods high in vitamin D is one way to get an adequate amount into your system. Foods rich in vitamin D include salmon, tuna, organ meats, mushrooms, eggs, fortified milk, and cheeses. You can also get some vitamin D from the sun; just be sure to put on sunscreen too!

Vitamin B-12

This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy gums because it works to create red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the bloodstream to all of the tissues of the body. Without enough vitamin B-12, the body wouldn’t be able to produce the blood cells necessary for proper gum health. Additionally, this nutrient helps to control the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. When taken as a supplement or as part of a healthy diet, vitamin B-12 can be beneficial for oral health.

This nutrient can also be found in fortified cereals, beef, eggs, fish, milk, cheese, and other dairy products. However, for people with sensitive stomachs, taking vitamins under a doctor’s supervision may be a better option. It’s also important to note that although B-12 is important for general health, too much of this vitamin can be toxic and lead to other health problems.

Vitamin K

When considering healthy vitamins for teeth and gums, vitamin K should be at the top of the list. This essential vitamin helps regulate calcium in the body and plays a role in maintaining strong bones and teeth by stimulating the mineralization of bones. It also plays an integral role in supporting the soft tissues of the mouth, like gums and cheeks. As the body cannot produce this vitamin on its own, it has to be included in the diet in order to take full effect. The primary sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and cabbage. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that can protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause damage to DNA and other cell structures in the body. The body needs vitamin C for growth and tissue repair, and the vitamin also acts as an anti-inflammatory to help the body combat stress-induced inflammation in the gums.

Many foods provide vitamin C, including citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower. However, some products have significantly reduced the levels of vitamin C when processed or cooked. A diet rich in fresh food sources can help protect the teeth and gums against inflammatory conditions like gingivitis.

While vitamin C can be found in many healthy foods, taking an oral supplement may help improve gum health in people with low levels of the nutrient. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E promotes healing in the mouth, which can improve the health of your gums. The vitamin also helps to prevent gum disease by fighting plaque buildup around your teeth. Studies have even shown that vitamin E has a positive effect on the overall health of your mouth. It’s essential for encouraging faster healing from oral surgery or after an injury to a tooth.

Taking vitamin E supplements has been shown to have beneficial effects on teeth. Vitamin E helps to boost the production of saliva in your mouth, which is your body’s natural means of protecting against tooth decay. Saliva production is also important for washing away food particles and bacteria from your teeth after eating.

To learn more, call A Better Smile Dentistry at (505) 208-0505 and schedule an appointment with the dentist or visit us at 475 Coors Blvd NW, Ste A, Albuquerque, NM 87121. We will guide you further.

Location

475 Coors Blvd NW, Ste A, Albuquerque, NM 87121

Office Hours

MON - TUE 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

WED 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

THU 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

FRI 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: abettersmiledentistry@gmail.com

Phone: (505) 208-0505

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