3 Most Essential Vitamins for the Health of Your Teeth and Gums

The health of your mouth directly affects the health of the rest of your body. Vitamin deficiencies can cause a number of oral issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Vitamin D

You might be wondering, "Why does my dentist care if I'm eating enough vitamin D?" Well, your dental health actually depends on the levels of the vitamin in your body. When it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gum health, vitamin D plays a role by helping your body absorb calcium better. Without enough of the vitamin in your system, you might become susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Vitamin B

A deficiency in vitamin B may contribute to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, or dry mouth. It's also vital for red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and the regulation of blood sugar. Good sources of vitamin B include fortified cereals, lentils, legumes, bananas, eggs, salmon, poultry, milk, yogurt, sweet potatoes, apples, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.

To improve your intake of vitamin B, try eating more foods that contain it. However, remember that excessive amounts of vitamins can be harmful. Taking too much vitamin B can lead to nerve damage, nausea, irritability, loss of appetite, headaches, and other side effects. Large doses of vitamin C can also cause these unwanted symptoms.

Vitamin C

While vitamin C can't actually prevent cavities, it does offer a wide range of oral health benefits. It boosts collagen production throughout the body, including in your gums. This essential vitamin also provides support for your immune system, which helps you fight gum disease and other infections that can affect your teeth and gums. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of healthy bone in your jaw, promoting strong and healthy teeth from your root to your tooth's enamel. Finally, vitamin C boasts antioxidant properties that help protect your teeth from decay and plaque buildup.

Some of the easiest sources of this nutrient include citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and spinach. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also acceptable options for meeting your daily requirements for this necessary nutrient. For optimal benefit, make sure your supplement also includes bioflavonoids to help your body absorb the nutrients properly.

If you have concerns about your vitamin intake, ask your doctor to recommend the amount that's right for you. They may recommend taking supplements instead of increasing your dietary intake of this nutrient.

Our team at Care' N' Cure Dental is here to answer any questions you have about keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Call our dental office today at (469) 298-3892 to schedule an appointment with us. You can also request an appointment online by filling out our online form. We look forward to seeing you soon!