We need vitamins for our bodies to function properly. However, there are certain vitamins that are essential for healthy teeth and gum health. Keep reading to learn more.

Vitamin A

The importance of vitamin A for good dental health cannot be overstated. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in several foods, including eggs, milk, liver, carrots, spinach, broccoli, mango, pumpkin, and other fruits and vegetables. While the body is able to store excess amounts of vitamin A in the liver for future use, it cannot store toxic amounts. This means that consuming large amounts of vitamin A in supplement form can cause toxicity over time. Toxicity occurs when there is too much of an intake of something for the body to metabolize properly. In humans, the typical symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include bone pain, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, redness of the skin, abdominal pain, jaundice, dizziness, fever, hair loss, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Toxicity is rare when consumed through food, but there have been cases of toxicity from supplements. For proper absorption of vitamin A through the digestive tract, a healthy digestive system is needed. A lack of absorption can interfere with the absorption of other vitamins as well. It can also lead to the development of ulcers.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is a group of eight different vitamins that all help your body break down food and use nutrients efficiently. Your body needs vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 to function properly. The B vitamins are water-soluble and are not stored in your body, so it's important to eat foods that are rich in these vitamins every day. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a host of health problems, including poor brain function, anemia, mouth sores, constipation, and even stunted growth. You need a sufficient amount of vitamin B to keep your teeth and body healthy. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feed off of sugar in your mouth and produce acids that erode your teeth. Vitamin B helps your small intestine produce an antimicrobial peptide called bacteriocin that helps kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. A deficiency in vitamin B1 can lead to gingivitis because not enough of it is being produced in your intestines to kill off bad bacteria and promote good oral health. Vitamin B also supports a healthy immune system that is important for fighting infections like gum disease. Taking vitamin B supplements can help treat periodontal disease or improve your oral health if you have low levels of vitamin B. A healthy oral microbiome is essential to maintain overall health throughout your entire body.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that boosts the body's immune system. It's also critical for forming collagen – a protein that is essential for strong gums and healthy teeth. Recent studies suggest that vitamin C may also act as a natural plaque prevention treatment by slowing the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and preventing bad breath.

Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, kiwi fruit, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, tomatoes, sprouts, and green leafy vegetables. Some dairy products, such as milk, are also fortified with vitamin C. 

Vitamin D

The human body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Research shows that low vitamin D levels may predict future tooth loss as well.

The body makes vitamin D when exposed to the sun. However, too much sun exposure can cause skin damage. Ask your dentist about the best way to include more vitamin D in your diet. They might recommend supplements or dietary changes to increase the level of vitamin D in your body.

Include plenty of foods that are high in vitamin D, such as salmon, tuna, orange juice, milk, eggs, and cheese. Some foods might be fortified with vitamin D to increase your intakes, like cereal and some yogurts. You might also want to consider taking a daily supplement if your diet isn't rich in vitamin D. Your dentist is your best source for advice about increasing vitamin D in your diet -- and they may also be able to test for vitamin D deficiency with a simple blood test.

At Kusek Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a full range of services in a relaxed dental environment. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists, call us at 605-371-3443 or visit us at 4921 E. 26th St., Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.