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Good oral health starts at home, and your diet can have a significant impact on your oral health. Here are some vitamins you need to include in your diet daily:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the best-known antioxidants. Your body needs vitamin C to build collagen – which is important for strong teeth and bones. You can get vitamin C from eating citrus fruits and strawberries; however, it is also found in some toothpaste. It can help keep your gums healthy because it is an antioxidant that fights off inflammation. It can even help treat gingivitis by killing the harmful oral bacteria associated with gum disease. When added to mouthwash, it can fight gum bleeding and prevent dry mouth. It can also prevent and treat tooth sensitivity caused by hot or cold foods or drinks. Talk to your dentist about using more vitamin C in your diet to help prevent future problems in your mouth.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is well-known for its role in improving bone health. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, and it is an essential nutrient for your teeth and bones. In fact, research shows that having low levels of vitamin D in your bloodstream puts you at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease.

Vitamin D is important for the supporting structure of your teeth and gums. It strengthens teeth and helps to promote healthy gums. Having sufficient levels of vitamin D in your diet through routine supplementation or diet can help to protect your oral health. Both dental implants and orthodontic treatment can place special demands on your jawbone. Your jawbone relies on calcium and phosphorus to stay strong and healthy. If your body is deficient in these nutrients, it can affect the health and strength of your jawbone. Vitamin D helps to keep your jawbone strong and dense, protecting against tooth loss and other oral health issues as a result. Taking in enough vitamin D can also increase the success rate of your dental implant procedure and help to maintain the health of your implant over time as well. Make sure that the foods you eat provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness. 

Vitamin B

There are several B vitamins that are important for oral health. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, supports the nervous system and helps build enzymes that digest carbohydrates, fats, and protein – all essential for dental health. Biotin, or vitamin B7, helps the body produce important substances such as collagen and keratin for healthy, strong skin and hair. Folic acid is another B vitamin that helps to build new cells and repair tissues; it may also play a role in preventing oral cancer. Finally, vitamin B12 promotes a healthy mouth lining and gumline, and it can also help in healing wounds in the mouth. Look for these vitamins in a multivitamin supplement to support your oral health.

Vitamin K

There's one vitamin that you'll want to make sure you take on a regular basis, and it's vitamin K. Your body uses this nutrient to help your teeth form strong and healthy enamel. It also plays a role in your gums' ability to heal themselves when you suffer from an infection or irritation. You can find vitamin K in leafy greens like kale and spinach. It's even present in some types of cheese. Just make sure you're eating healthy kinds of cheeses because you don't want to add any sugar to your diet.

Call Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, at (386) 445-6111 if you wish to learn more about ways to maintain good oral health. We are located at 17 Old King's Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137. If you have any questions, give our dental office a call. We're happy to answer them.