3 Essential Vitamins for Teeth and Gums

3 Essential Vitamins for Teeth and Gums

Posted by Dr. Thomas Flavin Apr 28,2023

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Vitamins are essential for overall health, but did you know they’re also beneficial for your oral health? Keep reading to learn about the top vitamins for teeth and gums.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is essential for healthy teeth, gums, and soft tissues of your mouth. This vitamin helps your body produce the proteins necessary for tooth enamel production as well as making gum tissue more elastic and less prone to bleeding.

In addition to helping your teeth and gums stay healthy, vitamin B3 is also known to help you reduce stress and improve your mood. Overall, getting enough B vitamins in your diet can help improve your overall health as well!

Foods that contain a lot of vitamin B are whole grains, beans, peas, peanuts, brown rice, oatmeal, mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, and eggs. It is a good idea to eat these foods often to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals in our bodies. A free radical is created naturally in the body; however, it is also found in pollution in the air or smoke from cigarettes. These can cause damage to tissue, gums, and bone. Antioxidants such as vitamin C can block these free radicals from damaging our teeth and gums. Vitamin C can help support healthy bones and connective tissues. It may also help heal wounds more quickly. Research shows that the antioxidant vitamin can boost the immune system and fight infection.

It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which can help to ease irritated gum tissue. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C may help to prevent gum disease, bleeding gums, bad breath, and canker sores. It can also reduce inflammation within the mouth, possibly helping to reduce symptoms of periodontal disease, including swollen or bleeding gums. Some research indicates that vitamin C may even help prevent oral cancer. Some foods high in vitamin C are bell peppers, broccoli, leafy greens like kale and spinach, strawberries, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, guava, oranges, grapefruit, etc.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from your diet, which strengthens bones and teeth. Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may lead to gum disease, which may increase your risk for tooth loss. Vitamin D is mostly produced through sun exposure; however, supplementation may be necessary if you are unable to get sufficient sunlight. Talk to your dentist about improving your vitamin D levels for better oral health.

The topic of vitamins and minerals in dentistry is a vast and complex one. Talk to your dentist or doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. They can evaluate your mouth and health history to determine what vitamins you may need to improve your dental health.

To learn more, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366. 

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