How Do Vitamin Deficiencies Show Up In Your Mouth?
Posted on 11/15/2023 by Dr. VanBrunt
It is vitally important to get all of your vitamins and minerals in each day. If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals into your body, you may begin to notice problems in your body. One of the places vitamin deficiencies show up is in your teeth and gums. Here are some ways vitamin deficiencies can show up in your mouth.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for your body. The vitamin helps reduce inflammation, fight disease, and can brighten your skin. You can find vitamin C in all citrus fruits, tomatoes, carrots, beets, and peppers. If you don't get enough vitamin C, one of the first places the vitamin deficiency will show up is at your gumline. Vitamin C is essential to the health of your gums, and if you don't ingest it, your gums will begin to bleed. In the past, vitamin C deficiency that led to bleeding gums and loose or missing teeth was called scurvy. Sailors, in particular, suffered from scurvy because of their long time at sea.
Calcium and Vitamin D
You can find calcium and vitamin D in dairy products as well as some vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Many nuts, such as cashews, contain vitamin D. If you get out in the sun frequently, you also get vitamin D. Both calcium and vitamin D are essential to tooth development and the continued strength of tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel acts as a shield for the tender parts of your tooth. If you are in midlife or older, it is even more important to get enough calcium or vitamin D.
You'll know if you have a vitamin D or calcium deficiency if you suddenly have sensitive teeth. You can even get cracks or chips in your teeth if you need to add calcium to your diet. If you aren't sure whether you are low on vitamins to keep your teeth and gums healthy, check with a dentist.
Our Dental Blog | Smiles of Tulsa - Dentist in Tulsa, OK Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click here to learn more about home care, procedures and more! Smiles of Tulsa, 6565 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 1103, Tulsa, OK 74136 ^ (918) 891-3059 ^ smilesoftulsa.com ^ 9/7/2024 ^ Associated Words: Preventive Dentistry Tulsa OK ^
Waze
It is vitally important to get all of your vitamins and minerals in each day. If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals into your body, you may begin to notice problems in your body. One of the places vitamin deficiencies show up is in your teeth and gums. Here are some ways vitamin deficiencies can show up in your mouth.