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Vitamins are necessary nutrients that the body needs, but they can also help improve your oral health. Listed below are some suggestions of vitamins that are good for oral health:

Vitamin C

Did you know that vitamin C is essential for healthy gums? This potent antioxidant helps your body fight infection, repair tissue, and maintain healthy connective tissues. In fact, one study found that patients taking a daily supplement of vitamin C reduced their risk of periodontal disease by almost one-third!

In addition to helping your gums stay healthy, vitamin C also helps support your immune system. When your body is fighting off an infection, getting enough vitamin C is key to keeping yourself healthy. The immune system needs it to produce white blood cells and collagen proteins. Collagen is a protein that makes up your blood vessels and helps wounds heal faster. Vitamin C can help increase your absorption of iron, which helps boost your immune response as well.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which both contribute to healthy teeth and bones. It’s also known for its role in strengthening bones. The body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but it can also be found in foods such as fortified milk, fatty fish, meat, eggs, and cheeses. 

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient that assists in forming red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It also aids in the formation of genetic material and metabolizes fats and proteins. The most common sources of vitamin B-12 are meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and fortified grains; for those who don’t consume animal products, vitamin B-12 supplements are available.

Insufficient amounts of vitamin B-12 can result in anemia or macrocytic anemia. In severe deficiency cases, neurological problems may occur.[1] A lack of B-12 due to medication use can also result in anemia. Your dentist may recommend a blood test to check your vitamin levels if you experience any symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness.

Vitamin K

This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining the health of soft tissue and bone in the oral cavity. Additionally, it can improve the elasticity of our gum tissue and prevent gingivitis. In fact, research has shown links between a lack of vitamin K and poor gum health. The presence of gum disease can further increase the risk of tooth loss. Vitamin K can also decrease our risk of oral cancer, as its aids in reducing inflammation in the body.

To learn more about ways to maintain your oral health, visit Mountain View Advanced Dental in Mountain View, CA, or call our dental clinic at (650) 988-9458.