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Certain essential nutrients help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria in the mouth. In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the most important vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums. 

Calcium

While calcium is most often associated with building strong bones and teeth, it’s also essential for healthy oral health as well! A diet high in sugary foods and snacks can lead to dry mouth, which is how many cavities develop. However, getting enough calcium may reduce the risk of tooth decay by as much as 60%! In addition to protecting your teeth against decay, calcium helps your body to absorb other vitamins and minerals, which is especially important for gum tissue health. Not getting enough calcium can cause bleeding gums or even gum disease – so be sure to eat plenty of dark leafy veggies like spinach to get your daily dose of calcium!

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium, which your teeth need to stay strong and healthy. It also promotes bone growth, which is vital for a healthy mouth. Your body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. However, it’s also found in foods like egg yolks, fortified milk products, salmon, sardines, tuna, beef liver, Swiss cheese, and mushrooms. You can also take supplements to get enough of this critical vitamin.

Did You Know? A lack of vitamin D may lead to periodontal disease. It can also lead to periodontitis-like symptoms, such as weakened gums and increased plaque buildup.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports your gums by strengthening them, which helps to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease happens when bacteria multiply on the teeth and gums, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and create pockets where more bacteria can grow and cause irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, this could lead to tooth loss. Vitamin C helps your body to produce collagen, which strengthens and supports gum tissues. It also helps with the absorption of iron within the body, which is key for healthy teeth and bones. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, and other fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also find it in vitamin C tablets or chewable tablets.

The benefits of vitamin C on dental health are vast. It’s responsible for building and supporting the structure of bones and tissues in the body, including your teeth. It helps with tissue repair, which is why it’s important to incorporate it into your diet if you experience small cuts or wounds in your mouth when eating or brushing. It also plays an important role in the formation of blood vessels and connective tissue. This means that it helps with wound healing, as well as gum health. Additionally, it promotes healthy tooth enamel and helps the body produce new dentin. Furthermore, vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation and repair of DNA, which means that it plays a role in removing toxins from the body and preventing disease and illness. Lastly, it also aids in the production of white blood cells, which are the cells of the immune system.

Vitamin K

This nutrient helps prevent gum recession during orthodontic treatment and protects your smile against harmful plaque buildup. Research shows that there is a link between inadequate vitamin K intake and tooth loss. Other studies have linked lowered levels of this essential vitamin to gum disease. One study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who had low levels of vitamin K were twice as likely to develop periodontal disease as those who had adequate levels.

Besides eating more leafy greens, you can support your teeth by drinking lots of water throughout the day. Water helps keep your saliva production flowing and helps rinse away food debris stuck in your teeth. Drinking plenty of water also prevents dry mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay because it can neutralize the acid in your mouth that eats away at your tooth enamel. 

Folic Acid

Folic acid is crucial for the development of healthy bones and teeth, and the gums need folic acid as well. In fact, it is vital for the formation of red blood cells. The retina of the eye also requires folic acid to work properly. Many women choose to take extra folic acid while they are pregnant, which can be beneficial for the fetus’s teeth as it develops in the uterus. Not getting enough folic acid can cause gum disease and tooth loss. It is important to get enough folic acid during pregnancy to ensure a healthy mouth before the baby is even born!

To learn more or to schedule your appointments with Ami Desai, D.D.S., please call (408) 946-0777 or visit our office at 440 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035. For more information, please contact us at frontdeskdrdesai@gmail.com.