If you take great care of your teeth and gums at home and receive regular checkups and cleanings from Dr. Denes, your mouth should be healthy. If, however, you’re experiencing dry mouth, tongue inflammation, or bleeding gums despite diligent oral care, your diet may be to blame. Specifically, you may have a vitamin deficiency, but you can easily reverse your oral health issues by adding certain vitamin-rich foods to your diet. The following vitamins can help you maintain a healthy mouth:
- B Vitamins. The B-complex is a group of eight vitamins, all of which help contribute to healthy oral mucosa. Deficiency of these vitamins can lead to tongue inflammation, discolored gums, yeast infection, periodontal disease, and scaling at the corners of the mouth. Good dietary sources of B-complex vitamins include milk, ricotta cheese, steak, beef liver, eggs, mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, poultry, bananas, navy beans, and brewer’s yeast.
- Vitamin C. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a condition characterized by poor collagen formation and diseased gums. For optimum gum health, consume foods high in vitamin C, including citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and leafy greens.
- Vitamin D. Essential for strong bones and teeth, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. The best source of vitamin D is exposing the skin to sunlight for several minutes a day. If no sunlight is available, drink milk fortified with vitamin D.
- Vitamin E. This vitamin reduces inflammation and helps heal damaged oral tissues. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ are good dietary sources of vitamin E.
- Vitamin K. Known to help with blood coagulation, vitamin K helps heal damaged oral tissues and speeds the recovery process after dental procedures. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are excellent sources of this vitamin.
If you are experiencing oral health problems despite adhering to a healthy, balanced diet, call Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes today at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. Fresno Dental Studio gladly treats patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.