The typical American diet leaves a great deal lacking in most categories. Americans settle for fast food rather than real food at home, convenience over healthy options. While fast paced lives rarely leave time for a well-balanced meal, there are many options available for adding supplements to your diet in forms of vitamins. Of course, before adding any supplements to your diet, speak with your primary care physician to ensure that you consume the correct amount.

Vitamins known for promoting oral health:

• Calcium – The teeth and jaw bone are both primarily made out of calcium. Therefore, a calcium deficiency can lead to jaw bone deterioration and tooth loss. Increasing your consumption of dairy products (if no dietary limitations prohibit this) and adding a calcium supplement to your daily routine can help protect your entire mouth.
• Vitamin D – If your body has a Vitamin D deficiency, then your body is inhibited from absorbing the necessary amount of calcium. Because calcium is essential to your teeth and jaw health, a deficiency in Vitamin D will also contribute to a deficiency in calcium. Symptoms of a Vitamin D deficit include dry mouth, a metallic taste, and a burning sensation in the mouth.
• Vitamin A – Vitamin A is directly linked to gum health. The mucous membrane that surrounds and protects the gum tissues is maintained by Vitamin A. Therefore, Vitamin A not only keeps the gums healthy, but it also promotes healing when the gums are damaged or infected.
• Vitamin B – B vitamins are important for the overall health of the mouth, and they are easily absorbed with the consumption of meat and fish. Those who are vegetarians or who rarely eat meat need to talk with their physician about taking a Vitamin B supplement. Receding gums, oral sensitivity, and regular tooth aches are often linked to a Vitamin B deficiency.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is well known for its immunity boosting properties. Vitamin C helps to ward off infections that can be damaging to your oral and overall health.

Your body needs a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals to remain healthy and perform properly each day. If your diet is lacking in Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and/or Vitamin C, speak with your physician about adding supplements to your daily diet in order to promote optimal oral health.