Just like the rest of your body, your mouth benefits from vitamins and minerals that are essential to good oral health. Most of these can be obtained by eating a healthy diet. It doesn’t hurt to pop a daily multivitamin to ensure your body gets what it needs, but always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new vitamin or supplement regime.
Your mouth is the first stop for your body’s absorption of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. It receives these vital components from the foods you eat via your saliva and circulatory system. What happens if you aren’t receiving enough of the “good stuff”? Vitamin deficiencies often lead to a weakened immune system that cannot properly fight off infection. This affects your mouth by increasing your risk for developing oral conditions such as gum disease and other infections.
Perhaps you’re familiar with how vitamins and minerals affect overall health, but here are ways they impact oral health.
Calcium: An abundant mineral in the body that builds strong bones, calcium keeps teeth strong by hardening tooth enamel and strengthening your jawbone. Think about the power of your teeth and jaw next time you chomp down on something. Food sources: milk, cheese, yogurt
Iron: An iron-deficiency can cause anemia, which is when the body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells. Iron is important for helping to prevent mouth sores and oral infections. Food sources: liver, red meat, spinach
Magnesium: Another mineral that helps the body absorb calcium and build strong tooth enamel, magnesium also helps prevent cavities. Food sources: dark chocolate, kale, spinach
Phosphorous: Second to calcium, phosphorous is another abundant mineral found in the body. It works to support calcium and build strong bones and teeth. Food sources: citrus fruits, lentils, meat, pork, poultry, seafood, soybeans
Vitamin A: The answer to why your mouth feels moist, vitamin A helps keep saliva flowing and mucous membranes healthy, which prevents dry mouth. Vitamin A also aids in wound healing. Food sources: egg yolks, fish, leafy greens, liver, orange-colored fruits (contain high levels of beta-carotene needed for healthy bones, eyes, and skin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Food is turned into energy with the help of Vitamin B3. A deficiency in vitamin B3 can lead to bad breath and mouth sores. Food sources: chicken and fish
Vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin): Surely, you’ve experienced a canker sore. Those pesky oral sores can be due to a lack of these B vitamins, among other things. Food sources: chicken, dairy, fish, liver, pork (B12); almonds, bagels, pasta, rice (B2)
Vitamin C: A strong antioxidant that boosts your immunity, vitamin C strengthens gums and oral tissues, which can help prevent gum disease. It also aids in cell repair and wound healing, which is important for recovery from oral surgeries. Food sources: broccoli, citrus fruits, kiwi, leafy greens, pineapple, potatoes
Vitamin D: Known as calcium’s best buddy, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and boost bone density. Sunlight helps the body naturally produce vitamin D, so get outside and soak up some sun. Just don’t get burned! Food sources:fatty fish, portobello mushrooms, foods/drink fortified with vitamin D like milk and orange juice
Vitamin E: An additive in many food and non-food items, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that keeps bones healthy and boosts immunity. Food sources: almonds, leafy greens, sunflower seeds, peanuts
Vitamin K2: Think of this vitamin as your body’s shield. Vitamin K helps the body keep calcium where it belongs like in your bones and teeth. It also helps keep your oral bacteria balanced and fights tooth decay. Food sources: beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, liver
If you have any question or concerns regarding your oral health and vitamins, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.