Vitamins That Can Improve Gum Health

Your teeth and gums need the right balance of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, just like the rest of your body. Vitamins and minerals can be easily incorporated into your daily diet by eating certain foods, dietary supplements, or combining the two. 

Read on to learn which vitamins can lead to improved gum health and better dental checkups. 

Keeping Gums Healthy Takes Hard Work 

Developing and maintaining healthy gums takes hard work. Regular visits to your dentist and maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home are essential; however, the foods you eat can be a more significant factor than you may think. Eating the right foods full of vitamins and nutrients can help you fight gum disease. Be sure your diet features these nutritional building blocks for healthier teeth. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports your body’s entire immune system. It’s also a vital component in protecting your gums and teeth. There are many simple ways to ensure your body gets enough Vitamin C, including eating foods that are an excellent source, including:

• Broccoli. A half-cup of broccoli contains roughly 57% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. To get the most out of broccoli, steam it for about 5 minutes before eating. 
• Chili Peppers. Chili peppers contain about 120% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Adding chili peppers to a dish is a simple and easy way to get vitamin C and add some kick. 
• Sweet Yellow Peppers. Yellow peppers have over 150% of your daily recommended value and are a delicious way to eat your vitamins. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an excellent way to prevent dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly. Eating foods rich in vitamin A is an excellent way to combat dry mouth, which can be caused by many medications. Vitamin A comes primarily from animal sources, including the following:

• Hard-Boiled Eggs. Roughly 8% of your daily value of vitamin A can be found in one large hard-boiled egg. 
• Bluefin Tuna. About 25% of your daily value of vitamin A can come from a single serving of bluefin tuna. 
• Cheddar Cheese. One serving of cheddar cheese contains about 10% of your daily value of vitamin A. 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps to keep your bones strong. Found in many types of foods, vitamin K can be commonly found in the following:

• Spinach. One cup of raw spinach has around 120% of your daily value of vitamin K. 
• Brussels Sprouts. Half a cup of Brussels sprouts contains almost 90% of your daily value. 
• Hard Cheeses. One ounce of hard cheese contains about 20% of your daily value of vitamin K and can be sprinkled over sauteed Brussels sprouts for a one-two punch of vitamin K. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D improves bone mineral density throughout the body and can be consumed through these foods:

• Egg Yolks. The amount of vitamin D found in egg yolks can vary; however, free-range chickens or chickens fed grain high in vitamin D give you the maximized amount in your eggs. 
• Salmon. A single serving of salmon contains 165% of your daily value. 
• Canned Tuna. Containing about half the daily value of vitamin D, canned tuna can be easily incorporated into salads, put onto sandwiches, or used in casseroles. 

Your Dentist Plays a Big Role In Gum and Tooth Health, Too 

Having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by your dentist plays a significant role in your tooth and gum health. It can be challenging to determine if your teeth and gums receive the nutrients they need to stay healthy on your own. During a routine exam, your dentist can tell whether your teeth show signs of vitamin deficiency. They can also recommend specific changes you can make to your diet to improve your overall oral health. At Elite Dental & Denture PC, we want to help you develop good eating habits that directly contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.