Vitamins Essential for Teeth and Gums

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a variety of dental problems. Vitamins A, C, and D are vital for dental health. These vitamins help promote gum health, prevent tooth loss, and aid in tooth repair. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin that your body needs to form and maintain connective tissue and bone. It also aids in healing wounds, repairing and maintaining teeth, gums, and blood vessels, and even helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, a disease that can cause bleeding gums, tooth loss, gum disease, weak or broken bones, infections, anemia, fatigue, and depression.

The body does not produce vitamin C on its own. You need to consume foods that contain this vitamin or take supplements to get enough of it every day. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers. You can also find vitamin C in meat, fish, and eggs. Even certain beverages contain vitamin C, such as orange juice, tea, and grapefruit juice. If needed, your doctor may recommend a supplement to ensure you're getting enough of this essential vitamin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bones and teeth because it helps keep them strong and healthy. It's usually absorbed through the skin from sunlight, but it can also be found in foods like milk or eggs. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is needed for healthy teeth and bones. Some studies show that vitamin D may also help prevent periodontal disease by regulating inflammation and reducing bacterial overgrowth in the mouth.

However, too much vitamin D isn't beneficial. This can lead to a condition known as hypervitaminosis D. This can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fatigue. Your dentist may recommend changing your diet or taking supplements to get your daily requirement of vitamin D.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for healthy mucous membranes. It enhances healing and helps rebuild tissue, including gums, after oral surgeries or other procedures that can cause the gums to recede. Vitamin A deficiency can result in mouth ulcers, among other issues.

In addition to building tissue, vitamin A also protects teeth from decay by regulating tooth enamel density. Deficiencies in vitamin A can lead to weakened or soft tooth enamel. Enamel is the protective layer of the teeth that prevents bacteria from entering the tooth and causing cavities. Without adequate amounts of this vitamin, your teeth, and gums can be more susceptible to damage from plaque acids. Some foods that are high in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, pumpkin, and cantaloupe.

Visit Next Level Dental at 693 President Pl #101, Smyrna, TN 37167, to learn more about our dental services. Contact us at (615) 459-6354 or schedule an appointment online for any queries.