Vitamins are nutrients that your body needs to function properly. Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water, and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat. Vitamins are needed for many bodily functions, including producing new cells, maintaining healthy skin, hair, and eyes, and proper brain function.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for healthy teeth because it promotes saliva production to prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth is a side effect of certain medications, so it’s important to ask your dentist if any of your medications are causing dry mouth so you can address it and possibly switch medications if possible.

Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids that erode tooth enamel. It also helps to stimulate the gum tissue so it can remain firm and healthy, which can help reduce gum disease.

Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy green vegetables, fish, liver, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, and organ meats like chicken or beef liver.

It’s also found in multivitamins and supplements. However, too much vitamin A can cause a variety of side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and upset stomach. It’s best to consult a doctor or dentist before supplementing your diet with vitamin A to make sure you’re not taking more than the recommended amount.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps produce collagen, a protein that gives structure to the bones and tissues throughout your body. It’s also an antioxidant that can help remove free radicals from your mouth that can contribute to gum disease and other oral health issues. Get your daily dose of vitamin C through citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and more.

By eating right, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy. For more tips on what to eat and what to avoid when caring for your teeth, contact your dentist today.

Vitamin D

Many of our patients are concerned about getting enough vitamin D, which is necessary to promote healthy bones and teeth. If you aren’t taking vitamin supplements or aren’t spending time outside regularly, you may be at risk of not getting enough of this essential nutrient. However, it’s important to note that too much vitamin D can be dangerous to your health. To combat this risk, try eating foods rich in vitamin D. For instance, salmon is high in vitamin D, as are egg yolks and cheese. It’s also a good idea to eat foods that are fortified with vitamin D, such as milk.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and prevents inflammation. It is an essential vitamin, as our bodies do not naturally produce it. However, we can get it from foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and spinach. A lack of vitamin E can lead to gum disease or bleeding gums.

In fact, this essential vitamin can treat a number of inflammatory conditions, such as sore throats and menstrual cramps. It also protects the body from certain types of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, colon, and ovarian cancers.

Vitamin K

For bones and blood vessels, this vitamin helps the body use calcium effectively, which is important for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. One of the primary side effects of taking too much vitamin K is excessive bleeding.

To learn more, visit Hendricks Family Dentistry, a trusted dentist in Brunswick, OH. Locate them at 4181 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, or call 1-833-336-7533. We look forward to working with you and helping you get your best smile.