4 Great Vitamins & Minerals for Healthy Gums

Regarding food and gum disease, you probably focus more on avoiding harmful items. In other words, you don’t eat sugary products that could cause tooth decay, tartar buildup, etc. However, did you know that there are foods that could help your gums too? As it turns out, certain diets can promote healthy gum tissue when followed consistently. To prove it, consider the oral benefits of the four vitamins and minerals listed below.

Vitamin C

Besides its association with orange juice, vitamin C is known for strengthening gums and your mouth’s soft tissues. It’s especially good at protecting against gingivitis, the inflammation that marks the first stage of gum disease.

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, but it’s also found in potatoes and other leafy greens.

Calcium

Given various ad campaigns over the years, you probably know that calcium makes bones stronger and sturdier. However, the mineral also helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jawbone.

You will, of course, find calcium in milk. Still, it’s also in dairy products like cheese and yogurt, not to mention broccoli and salmon.

Phosphorus

Similar to calcium, phosphorus helps your body build strong bones and teeth. Nutritionists consider it one of the crucial building blocks of oral health.

One source of phosphorus is seafood, including scallops, sardines, cod, shrimp, tuna, and salmon. Another is plant-based foods like soybeans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds. You can even find phosphorus in beef, pork, and cheese.

Vitamin K

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin K acts more like a shield. In particular, it blocks harmful substances in your body from breaking down bone — including your jawbone.

The vitamin also helps your body produce osteocalcin, a protein that supports bone strength. As a result, deficiency in it can slow down your body’s healing process and make you more likely to bleed.

To add more vitamin K to your diet, eat more leafy greens — kale, collards, spinach, etc. Other good sources are parsley, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.

As you can see, good oral health isn’t just about avoiding bad foods for teeth — it’s also about eating more of the good ones! That said, talk to your local dentist to learn more vitamins and minerals that could support healthy gums.

About the Practice

EPO Dental Specialists is based in Richardson, TX, and offers comprehensive dentistry in one convenient location. More specifically, their team provides endodontic, orthodontic, and periodontic treatments to patients all over Dallas-Ft. Worth. The practice ensures high-quality results thanks to advanced dental technology like the cone beam scanner. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (972)-479-1200.