Most people know that good nutrition is an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle, but did you also know that what you eat has a direct impact on the on your oral health. Vitamin deficiencies can have big impact on the condition of the tissues of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Poor nutrition impacts the entire bodies immune system, making it less
efficient at fighting disease, this includes oral disease. Listed below are common vitamins and their associated impact on oral health.
Vitamin B
Inadequate levels of vitamin B are among the most common deficiencies related to oral health problems. Deficiencies of some B vitamins may cause paleness and weakness of the tissue in the inner cheek and tongue. Tissue may break apart easily or slough off. Additional, oral symptoms associated with vitamin B deficiencies include mouth lesions, loss of taste, excessive salivation and enlarged salivary glands. Further, some researchers believe that reduced amounts of certain B vitamins may increase the risk of oral cancers. Oral health problems attributed to B vitamin deficiencies include:
- Angular chelitis. Inflammation and cracking of the corners of the mouth typically due to a fungal infection. It is often associated with deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2) or folic acid.
- Atrophic glossitis. Condition in which the taste buds on the tongue begin to deteriorate, affecting the sense of taste. This symptom is often associated with a lack of folic acid (vitamin B9).
- Chronic oral mucosal candidiasis. Fungal infection of the mouth. This fungus is normally present in the mouth but can develop into an infection when a person has B vitamin deficiencies.
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. These are recurring canker sores caused by anemia. This symptom is often associated with a lack of niacin (vitamin B3).
Further, some researchers believe that reduced amounts of certain B vitamins may increase the risk of oral cancers
Vitamin C
Deficiency of vitamin C may cause gums to bleed easily. Other symptoms include fatigue and tendency to bruise readily all over the body.
A vitamin C deficiency most often occurs as the result of eating inadequate amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables and is more likely to occur in winter, when such foods may be less abundant. People who smoke are at a greater risk of developing vitamin C deficiency because smoking decreases the level of vitamin C in the body.
Vitamin A
Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to a delayed healing of sores in the mouth, incomplete tooth development or cavities in young children. Because of the liver’s ability to store vitamin A, it may take up to a year before the signs of deficiency are apparent in some patients. Excessive levels of vitamin A can lead to oral health problems such as gingivitis and fissures in the oral mucosa.
Further, Vitamin A is involved in the formation of tooth enamel. Diseases that can cause this deficiency include cystic fibrosis, liver problems, pancreatic insufficiency and chronic diarrhea.
Vitamin D
Deficiency of vitamin D may cause a jaw fracture or periodontal disease. When vitamin D deficiency occurs in young children, it can negatively impact tooth formation.
Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. It is essential to the formation of strong bones and teeth. Patients on low-fat diets and those with malabsorption syndromes are at higher risk for this deficiency. Others who may be at risk include people who eat a vegan diet, which prohibits foods from animal origin, and people taking anticonvulsants or sedative-hypnotic drugs.
Vitamin K
Deficiency of vitamin K can cause severe bleeding after a tooth extraction or even a general teeth cleaning such as scaling.
Vitamin K is essential during blood clotting. A deficiency normally occurs from malabsorption syndromes or complications resulting from use of antibiotics.
It is important to remember that eating a variety of foods and increasing fiber and vitamin intake may not only improve your dental health, but reduce the risk of other diseases. A well-balanced diet is vitally important for optimal health and it is equally vital to ‘fill in the gaps’ by taking the right amounts and kinds of vitamin and mineral supplements. Make sure that you’re getting the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Today’s post was written personally by Dr. David Civils. Do you have
a question for either Dr. David or Dr. Janna? We would love to hear from you!
Drs. David and Janna Civils
1114 Magnolia Street
Greensboro, NC
336-272-4177 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 336-272-4177 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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