4 Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Gum Health

While it’s clear that consistent brushing and flossing at home as well as routine cleanings from a dental professional are necessary to keep gums healthy, these habits are only one part of the picture. Did you ever stop to think if your diet is undercutting the effectiveness of your oral hygiene? The good news is there are multiple ways to ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need to keep gums healthy, both in between dental visits and visits to the bathroom to practice oral care. Here are four from a periodontist in Huntington Beach to keep in mind the next time you make your next meal!

Vitamin C

Growing up, you were probably told that vitamin C is good for your immune system overall. However, it also plays a major role in keeping your gums healthy! For example, it does a fantastic job of protecting the gums from gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. In fact, the Mayo Clinic notes that vitamin C is needed for the formation of blood vessels and other essential tissues that support teeth. If your gums are healing, vitamin C can also work to promote that process.

Vitamin C can be found in many fruits, including oranges and berries. However, it can also be found in vegetables like Brussel sprouts and spinach.

Iron

Minerals like iron are important for reducing your risk of anemia, a condition that develops when the body is not developing enough red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, tissues will not get the oxygen they need to remain healthy, including gum tissue. For example, anemia can lead to pale gums, negatively affect other oral tissues such as the tongue, and increase the risk of oral sores.

A great way to make sure you’re getting enough iron is by adding red meat or dark leafy greens to your diet. Supplements can also be helpful.

Vitamin D

Recent studies have shown that getting enough Vitamin D in your diet can help the body fight off gum disease. One study coming out of the University of Toronto noted that sufficient vitamin D levels can potentially decrease inflammation and affect oral microbes related to gum disease.

Vitamin D can typically be found in fatty fish (i.e. tuna, mackerel, and salmon) cheese, egg yolks, and foods that are specifically fortified with vitamin D, such as milk.

Vitamin A

Dry mouth can negatively affect your gum health by making it easier for bacteria to develop plaque, which directly irritates gum tissue. For this reason, salvia production is very important to gum health, and Vitamin A helps keep saliva production high and consistent.

Vitamin A can be found in sweet potatoes, bell peppers, kale, egg yolks, and fish.

Preventing gum disease starts with positive oral care habits, but it doesn’t end there. It also means taking the time to address your current diet and your daily intake of vitamins and minerals!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has over 15 years of experience in the dental field and attained his certificate in Periodontics from the University of Southern California. He’s highly knowledgeable on the best methods for maintaining positive gum health and is more than capable of performing specialized treatments for all levels of gum disease. To schedule an appointment with his office, you can contact him through his website.