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Vitamins are essential micronutrients that your body needs to grow and function properly. They play an important role in maintaining your oral and overall health. There are several vitamins that are important for your teeth and gum health.

The nutrients that your teeth need include calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin K, iron, zinc, protein, and more. What these vitamins and minerals do for your mouth is promote healthy teeth and gums and help fight off harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Here are some important vitamins you shouldn't skip from your daily meal:

Vitamin D

For healthy gums, the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from the foods we eat. When the body doesn't get enough vitamin D, it compromises the ability of the body to not only absorb calcium but also retain it in the body. Without the ability to retain this important mineral, the body loses the mineral's benefit, and teeth may suffer as a result. 

The best source of vitamin D is through the sun, which is why many doctors recommend spending a few minutes per day exposed to sunlight. This also helps to prevent diseases like skin cancer since most harmful UV rays are blocked by the atmosphere. Vitamin supplements are also available to help patients who don't get enough sun exposure each day. Other sources of vitamin D include eggs, fish, and mushrooms. You can also get a supplement after an examination by a doctor.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps prevent periodontal disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It's found in many foods, including eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and cantaloupe.

Vitamin A can be found in topical oral medications as well. In supplements, this vitamin is in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, or retinoic acid. Retinoids help to prevent and treat gum disease while boosting collagen production to improve the health of your gums. These can be prescribed in pill form or as a paste to be applied nightly to your teeth. 

Vitamin C

This vitamin is important for gum health because it helps produce collagen, which strengthens connective tissues. It also helps in tissue repair and healing after oral surgery.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect teeth and gums from damage due to free radicals, infections, and other issues. The human body doesn't always absorb nutrients well, but vitamin C can be effectively absorbed when consumed as a supplement. 

Get in touch with Willow Glen Dental Care at 1600 Willow St, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95125, or call (408) 978-0911 to learn more about dental services.