Lesser Known Vitamins Important for Dental Health

We all want to have healthy teeth and gums but sometimes we don’t take the time to eat nutritious food or brush and floss their teeth as they should. You may not have known it but certain vitamins can help keep our teeth healthy and strong and keep us from sitting in the dental chair. Good nutrition is important for good health. However, many of us don’t get the nutrition in food that we need to keep our teeth and bodies in good shape. 

While they can be quite helpful as an addition to daily nutrition, vitamins should not be used as a substitute for good nutrition. Vitamin A can be found in carrots, beef liver, melon, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin A is especially good for dental health because it keeps the formation of tooth tissues healthy and well. B vitamins are also good because they keep your tongue and gums healthy. B vitamins can be found in beef liver, milk, chicken breast, egg yolk, potatoes, bananas, spinach, milk, and meat.

Vitamin C prevents inflammation of the gums and can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and broccoli. Vitamin D strengthens tooth enamel; while Vitamin E helps to heal the gums and other tissues of the mouth. Keep in mind that if you don’t eat nutritious foods and neglect to take vitamins, you may be putting your oral health danger.

There are certain vitamin deficiencies that can put you at risk for serious oral health concerns. For example, a deficiency in Vitamin B could put you at risk for inflammation in the corners of your mouth, canker sores, anemia, fungal infections and affect your taste buds.

In addition, a deficiency in vitamin C could cause your gums to bleed easily and cause fatigue and easy bruising. Most importantly, a deficiency in Vitamin K can affect your mouth and is commonly caused by liver disease. A deficiency in iron can be caused by a poor diet, intestinal problems or a loss of blood. The side effects of an iron deficiency are a burning sensation in the mouth and tongue, tongue redness and swelling, sores, and pale tissue in the mouth.
 
To conclude, nothing can replace a healthy and nutritious diet; however, certain vitamins as mentioned above can be quite helpful in keeping your teeth and gums in good shape. Consult your doctor before starting any new vitamin regimen.