What Vitamins Are Good for Healthy Gums?

An optimal intake of nutrients is necessary for good health. Vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients are driving many functions that keep us going. Teeth and gums are no different than other parts of our body as they also require sustenance. Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in these substances, improves our oral health.

Why take vitamin supplements for your gums?

We require vitamins for healthy gums and teeth. Our lifestyles became so fast and busy that we pay little attention to what we eat: monotonous, non-optimized and unhealthy would be the three attributes of an average diet. To maintain the health of your gums and teeth, you can always choose between various dietary supplements.

Which vitamins to take

Vitamins are a group of essential micronutrients responsible for a vast number of vital processes in human bodies. They cannot be synthesized in our systems and have to be consumed directly from other sources. Here are the important vitamins for healthy gums and teeth:

• Vitamin A

Commonly linked with good eyesight, vitamin A is also very important for oral health. Vitamin A not only helps to build tissues like mucous membranes and teeth but also maintains salivary flow in our mouths. Saliva is our ally when it comes to oral hygiene, it maintains a neutral or even slightly alkaline environment, flushes bad bacteria away and provides minerals to our teeth.

There are two forms in which it’s found:

• Preformed vitamin A – Found in fish, meat, poultry dairy, and other animal products.
• Provitamin A – Found in fruits and vegetables.

The preformed type is already usable and provitamin needs to be processed in our body so it can be absorbed and utilized.

• Vitamin C

Reaching for food rich in vitamin C has always been the first step in the treatment of colds and flu. This vitamin is essential for our gums, primarily because it helps with the growth and differentiation of blood vessels and tissues supporting the teeth.

Citruses, cabbage, spinach, berries, Brussels sprouts, and many other fruits and veggies are a great source of vitamin C.

• Vitamin D

Without vitamin D, we wouldn’t be able to absorb and utilize calcium that we consume. In our intestines, this micronutrient sends the signal to the body to take the calcium in our bloodstream. Additionally, vitamin D activates odontoblasts – dentin producing supercells in teeth keeping them strong, regenerating our teeth.

Egg yolk, cereal, and milk are all sources of vitamin D.

Which minerals to take

Same as vitamins, we cannot synthesize minerals in the body and we have to get them from external sources. There are five major minerals: calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Others are found in traces, but also have important biochemical functions.

• Calcium

Key for our bones, making them grow strong, calcium has an important role to play in our teeth and jaws as well. The jaw holds our teeth in place, ensuring they are fixed. For strong and resilient teeth, calcium is one of the vital nutrients.

Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium.

• Phosphorus

Belonging to major five minerals in the human body and predominantly found in the teeth, phosphorus is the key player for reparation of tissues. Together with calcium, it gives strength to our teeth.

A wide variety of food contains this mineral and most of us get enough of it through the regular diet. Meats, nuts, dairy, and eggs are just some of the sources of phosphorus.

Do I need supplements for teeth and gums?

Visit your dentist, discuss your lifestyle and dietary habits, and get checked to determine if you lack any of the nutrients.

If there is a need, our experienced doctors will help you choose the best vitamins for healthy gums and teeth. Schedule your appointment with us today and learn more.