Posted by Dr. Lee on May 13 2023, 07:22 PM
Vitamins are essential for overall health. Vitamins are needed for healthy teeth as well. They help in keeping the teeth and gums healthy.
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for your oral health, as it helps the body absorb calcium efficiently. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from the foods you eat and use it to strengthen bones and teeth. Studies have also found that people with lower levels of vitamin D tend to have lower bone density and more gum disease.
Some foods naturally contain vitamin D, such as fatty fish like salmon and tuna. However, it isn't found in many foods, so most adults need supplements in order to get the recommended daily intake.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in immune function as well as tissue growth and repair in the body. It can be found in a variety of food sources, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwis, broccoli, strawberries, brussel sprouts, kale, and spinach.
Although vitamin C is not naturally produced by the body, it is critical to maintaining bone structure throughout the body, including in the teeth. It is also necessary for healthy gums and connective tissues. This vitamin helps form collagen, a protein that is found in gum tissue and provides structural support. Collagen gives teeth and gums the elastic quality that allows them to move with pressure, such as when you eat food that requires chewing.
Many Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin A. A deficiency in this vitamin can result in poor gum health or tooth loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. Getting enough vitamin A is important for the health of your gums because they rely on this nutrient to function properly. This vitamin is essential for maintaining the proper balance of oral bacteria in your mouth. It also protects your mouth from developing infections. Good sources of vitamin A include liver, eggs, butter, cheese, broccoli, spinach, mangoes, and carrots. You may also take a supplement to help increase your intake of this essential vitamin.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage, including those found in the oral cavity. This vitamin can be found naturally in almonds and spinach, as well as in a number of supplements. For oral health, vitamin E helps fight oral infections and promotes the healing of mouth sores. A regular intake of vitamin E can reduce the risk of gum disease and keep your breath fresh and clean.
Vitamin K is important for the health and strength of the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It’s also beneficial for the health of your gums, which can bleed or recede if you don’t have enough vitamin K in your system. For this reason, dentists often recommend taking supplements with vitamin K and calcium to help provide maximum benefits. You can also receive the benefits of this vitamin by eating leafy green vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens.
The dentists at Downtown Concord Dental can help you improve your smile. We are located at 2151 Salvio St Suite A-1, Concord, CA 94520. Contact us at (925) 566-8738 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.