4 Essential Vitamins for Teeth and Gums

While vitamins may play an essential role in our body, they may not be right for everyone. If you have any vitamin-related deficiencies or medical conditions, you should always consult your physician.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for overall oral health. This vitamin helps regulate cell growth and promotes healthy teeth, gums, and mucous membranes. It also helps in the formation of tooth enamel. A lack of vitamin A can lead to poor oral hygiene and the development of periodontal disease. Patients should consume foods rich in vitamin A to support their dental health. This includes beef liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe, milk, eggs, fish, mango, broccoli, cheese, etc.

In addition to consuming these foods, patients can supplement their diets with multivitamin capsules. These supplements contain vitamins that are essential to maintaining good oral health care. They should be taken daily for optimal results.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is essential for the healthy growth of gum tissue, as well as for the production and maintenance of dentin. If you are experiencing gum recession, your dentist may suggest increasing your vitamin B levels by eating more foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, or cereal. By eating these foods daily, your gums will be less likely to recede due to vitamin deficiency. Additionally, they may prescribe a topical gel with a prescription-strength vitamin B3 in it to help restore lost gum tissue and repair any exposed roots.

Vitamin B is also essential to your body's overall health, as it helps to regulate cell growth, metabolism, and division. For this reason, it can help prevent the formation of oral tumors and inflammation caused by bacteria in your mouth. It can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, supports collagen synthesis and, therefore, connective tissue health. For gum tissue specifically, vitamin C promotes collagen production in fibroblasts within the periodontal ligament. Collagen is a protein that is part of the matrix that makes up the supporting structure of teeth. When collagen is broken down or depleted for any reason, gums become inflamed and bleed easily. A diet rich in vitamin C can help promote healthy teeth and gums.

Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kale, broccoli, kiwi, cantaloupe, tomatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, and more! Vitamin C supplements can also be taken as an alternative method.

Vitamin D

Many people don't realize that vitamin D is a vitamin, but it's a crucial one for maintaining a healthy body and healthy teeth and gums. Vitamin D benefits the body by helping it absorb calcium and phosphorous more effectively. Calcium is the main component of strong bones and teeth, so taking vitamin D not only helps us to maintain those structures of our skeletal system but it also encourages healthy gums.

Without enough vitamin D in the body, the saliva becomes acidic, and the enamel begins to break down more easily. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. One study found that having low levels of vitamin D increased the risk of both gingivitis and periodontitis by about two percent. The connection between vitamin D and proper oral health is so great that many dentists actually prescribe their patient's vitamin D supplements in order to treat gum inflammation.

Our dentists at Rand Center for Dentistry in Flanders, NJ, provide the best dentistry solutions and the best dental care for patients. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call (973) 370-8917.