Vitamins are organic compounds that our body cannot make on its own. They are required in small quantities but are essential for maintaining optimal health. Vitamin deficiency can cause several health problems. Here are vitamins important to maintain good oral health:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for gum health because it helps reduce inflammation in the mouth, which minimizes the risk of periodontal disease. It also helps form collagen, which keeps gums healthy and strong by preventing bleeding.

Foods that are high in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, kiwifruit, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe melons, cauliflower, raspberries, cabbage, spinach, papayas, and mangos. Consume any of these foods regularly to prevent gum disease and keep your gums healthy.

Vitamin D

The human body can synthesize vitamin D from the sun, but most people don’t get enough sun exposure on a regular basis to meet their needs. Because of this, it’s important to take a daily supplement containing vitamin D3 to keep the body’s levels adequate. Vitamin D is important for healthy gums because it regulates the body’s inflammatory response to bacteria in the oral cavity. When inflammation is under control, there is less chance of periodontal disease developing.

Vitamin D is also needed to absorb calcium effectively and keep bones and teeth strong and healthy. Calcium absorption is essential for building and maintaining tooth enamel. Without sufficient amounts of vitamin D, the body won’t properly absorb calcium, and a person will likely develop osteoporosis over time as well.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps support tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer of a tooth. In fact, it helps your body produce the proteins that make your enamel hard and strong. To determine if your body is receiving enough vitamin A, ask your doctor for a blood panel or serum retinol-binding protein test, which can also reveal how efficiently your liver is processing this vitamin.

If you don’t get enough vitamin A, you might be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease because, without enough of this important nutrient, your enamel weakens over time. If you already have weak enamel, a lack of vitamin A can worsen the problem by making your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria that can erode your smile. This vitamin can be found in fish, eggs, dairy, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, cantaloupe, mangoes, red bell peppers, broccoli, and other dark leafy greens. 

Vitamin K

The vitamin that promotes healthy bones and teeth is vitamin K, which can be found in foods like meat and green leafy vegetables. While all vitamins are important to maintaining good oral health, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you eat and what nutrients they provide your body. 

For more tips and comprehensive dental care, visit Uptown Smiles at 601 NW 23rd St Suite #200, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Call us at (405) 702-7766 for appointments.