Throughout history, elders haven given the same advice: “Make sure you take your vitamins.” This is because vitamins are great for your body, helping it carry out daily tasks that leave your body healthy and strong.
What you may not know though is that many of the vitamins great for your body are great for your teeth and gums, as well. Along with minerals like calcium, phosphorus and potassium, these minerals help keep your teeth strong, healthy and fortified against decay and tooth loss.
If you’re interested in learning how these vitamins can improve your dental health, continue reading to how they aid in the health of teeth and gums, as well as what sources of food you can get them from.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is good for a lot of things in your body, like your eyes, but it also benefits the inside of your mouth, as well. vitamin A helps your mouth maintain healthy teeth and mucus membranes. By keeping these tissues healthy, vitamin A prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal.
Sources: Fish, egg yolks, beef liver, spinach, kale, citrus fruits and carrots.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C does a lot for your mouth. Is keeps gum and other soft tissues healthy and strong, while also protecting against gingivitis. Just like vitamin A, vitamin C is also important for healing, as it can keep your gums from bleeding.
Sources: Milk (especially nut milks like almond and cashew), yogurt, broccoli and salmon, citrus fruits, brussels sprouts and spinach.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for good oral health. When you get a proper intake of vitamin D, the vitamin will help your intestines absorb calcium and direct it to your bloodstream, which will eventually make its way to your teeth, strengthening them along with your bones.
Sources: Grass-fed dairy products, fatty types of fish, mushrooms and sunlight.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, just like vitamin C, helps prevent gum disease by doing two things: reducing inflammation and serving as an antioxidant. It has even prevented oral cancers in animal studies, showcasing its healing powers against oral diseases.
Sources: Broccoli, spinach and nuts.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 helps to prevent tooth decay by defending against harmful bacteria and helping to remineralize your teeth. Vitamin K2 activates a protein called osteocalcin, which repairs bone tissue, including your teeth!
Sources: Salami, eggs, soft cheeses, butter, liver and chicken breast.
The Final Word
By getting a proper and regular intake of vitamins and minerals, you will be giving your mouth the tools necessary to stay strong and fight off disease. All of these vitamins are found in everyday foods, making it easy to implement them in your diet.
Good article Justin! Vitamin C is such an important nutrient in your body. Whenever I get sick I always like to take a large dose of Vitamin C to help boost my immune system and I recommend anyone else to do the same. Glad to read that it has such a high impact on gum health too.