Good oral health begins with good nutrition. You can take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing, but your diet also plays a big role in your oral health. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Listed below are the best vitamins for teeth and gum health:
Vitamin D
Dentists often recommend vitamin D supplements to patients whose bodies don’t produce enough on their own because this vitamin helps prevent gum diseases like gingivitis. You can ask your dentist about taking this supplement if you’ve noticed your gums bleeding when brushing or flossing.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food and the intestines, where it helps form and maintain strong bones and teeth. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, your body is unable to use calcium effectively, which can lead to weakened bones and tooth loss.
It’s easy to get enough vitamin D by simply eating foods rich in this nutrient. You can get it in fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel, as well as swordfish and caviar. You can also get it in some dairy products. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can also get it from soy milk and fortified cereals. However, most people need more sun exposure than their schedules allow for in order to get enough vitamin D.
Your dentist may recommend taking a daily multivitamin that also includes vitamin D to make sure you’re getting the recommended amount on a daily basis. Be sure to ask your doctor before undertaking any major changes to your diet or supplement routine.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that allows the body to fight infection and repair tissue. It also promotes healthy teeth, gums, and mucous membranes. Growth and development depend on vitamin A as well.
Good sources of vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. Other sources include eggs, liver, milk, chicken, cheese, and fish. Some people take supplements of vitamin A as well. However, it can cause liver failure in high doses.
Talk to your dentist about recommended dosages for vitamin A, or talk to your healthcare provider if you take daily supplements. A severe deficiency can lead to stunted growth and vision problems.
Since it helps with healing and growth, vitamin A is good for treating and preventing oral infections. It is also used to treat acne, psoriasis, and respiratory infections. If it causes dry mouth, it can be used to treat xerostomia.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural and powerful antioxidant that helps promote healthy gums, teeth, and bone structure by supporting the immune system. It strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation to your gums, making it an essential vitamin for gum health. A diet rich in vitamin C has been found to improve the healing of gum tissue after procedures such as extraction or oral surgery. It is also a powerful agent in the fight against gingivitis. Vitamin C prevents plaque buildup by boosting your body’s production of collagen and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Vitamin C also fights free radicals and reduces inflammation in the gums. It is commonly found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, parsley, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin K
Some foods contain vitamin K as well. To get more vitamin K in your diet naturally, eat dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, cabbage, and broccoli. Cheese, liver, eggs, and beef are also sources of vitamin K.
One of the most important benefits of vitamin K is that it’s crucial for proper blood clotting. Therefore, taking extra vitamin K can also help prevent excessive bleeding during oral surgery or other dental procedures.
Iron
Most of us get enough iron in our diets, but seniors and those with certain medical conditions may need an iron supplement. When our bodies don’t get enough iron, we may experience iron deficiency anemia, which can weaken our immune system and cause fatigue. Many people who develop this common condition do so because of blood loss from ulcers or hemorrhoids; however, insufficient iron intake can also cause it.
Calcium
Everyone needs calcium to build strong bones and teeth, so it makes sense that people take supplements to try to prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues. However, most studies don’t support the idea that taking calcium supplements can help promote healthy teeth and gums — instead, they focus on getting calcium from natural food sources like dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and canned fish. If you do decide to take a supplement, check with your doctor first to make sure it’s right for you.
To learn more, visit Auburn Dental Group at 5603 Auburn St., Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93306, or call us at (661) 327-2189 to schedule an appointment.
