6 Best Vitamins for Your Teeth

Vitamins are good for your overall bodily health. However, some vitamins are more beneficial than others for preventing certain ailments.

In the same vein, there are vitamins that are especially good for your dental health. Learn the best vitamins for your teeth and how you can incorporate more of these essential nutrients into your daily diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is highly touted for its immune-boosting ability. However, far less known is that it’s also beneficial for your oral health.

This vitamin supports your teeth by facilitating the production of collagen. In turn, this supports the development of teeth-supporting structures like the alveolar bone, gingiva, and periodontal ligaments.

A 2020 study found that vitamin C intake had a positive effect on reducing concentrations of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth. This is a common oral bacteria linked to dental caries.

Foods high in vitamin C: bell peppers, kiwi, guavas, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often regarded as the bone vitamin because of its role in bone and teeth remineralization. It also assists in the absorption of calcium, a mineral that also aids in bone production.

One study found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and dental disorders like gum disease, gum inflammation, and cavities. In children, vitamin D deficiency can even cause defective dentin and tooth enamel.

Foods high in vitamin D: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), mushrooms, beef liver.

Your body also produces vitamin D naturally when you spend time outside in the sunlight. This is a good reason to spend more time outdoors in the mornings and afternoons.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is highly regarded for promoting eye health. However, it does so much more.

Among others, it also promotes saliva production. Saliva is essential for breaking down food particles and cleaning between your teeth.

Lack of saliva creates a dry mouth, leading to a more hospitable environment for bad oral bacteria.

Research shows that vitamin A boosts the health of the oral linings and also speeds up the healing of wounds in the oral cavity.

Foods high in vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, dried apricots, pumpkins

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is one of many vitamins in the B complex family. Among its many functions, B12 plays a major role in sugar metabolization.

Lack of this vitamin means sugar may not break down as quickly and remain in your mouth longer, increasing the risk of cavities.

One 2017 study found that children with vitamin B12 deficiency were at a greater risk of developing dental caries.

Foods high in vitamin B12: eggs, yogurt, trout, beef, clams, liver, nutritional yeast

Vitamin K

Despite its importance and various functions, vitamin K is constantly overlooked. It plays a vital role in blood clotting and preventing minerals from building up in the arteries.

From a dental perspective, vitamin K has a synergetic effect with calcium to build healthy bones and teeth. While more research is needed, studies do suggest that vitamin K may play a role in reducing dental caries.

Foods high in vitamin K: cooked spinach, collard greens, cabbage, basil, salami, blue cheese

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is often associated with skincare. Not many people are aware of its oral health benefits. Studies found that this vitamin may protect the mouth against dental erosion.

This is a significant finding, as erosive wear can cause loss of teeth structure and dissolution of hard tissue. Erosion stems from consuming sugary and acidic foods, and lack of saliva production.

Foods high in vitamin E: avocados, asparagus, almonds, beets, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil

Read also: How Your Dental Health Affects Your Body

A well-balanced diet is essential for acquiring the above vitamins. While this plays a key role in dental health, it’s not a replacement for regular visits to a dentist in Lafayette, LA.

Make an appointment at Maestri Dental today to make your oral health a priority. Dr. Maestri and the entire staff are highly-qualified to treat patients with any dental needs. We only provide exceptional services to our patients in the Acadiana area.