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A healthy diet is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. In addition to brushing and flossing every day, your diet plays an important role in your oral health.

Vitamin D

One of the most important vitamins for teeth and gum health is vitamin D. You can get this vitamin from sunlight exposure, but as we get older, our bodies don't create as much vitamin D from the sun as when we were younger. In addition to having a strong immune system, growing strong bones and teeth, and helping to prevent other serious diseases, vitamin D is one of the most vital nutrients for your teeth's overall health. Without enough of it, the gums can become loose due to a decrease in the amount of calcium in your jawbones. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement can help promote healthy teeth and gums.

Vitamin B-12

Everyone needs this vitamin for healthy hair and nails, but your teeth need vitamin B-12 to remain strong. This vitamin can seep into your tooth enamel and help strengthen your teeth and bones. It can also help you resist infections by keeping your immune system in tip-top shape.

You can get vitamin B-12 from meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, dark leafy greens, and fortified breakfast cereals. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help promote gum health. Studies have shown that vitamin C may be able to reduce bleeding after oral surgery or tooth extraction, as well as improve the health of gum tissue in those with periodontal disease.

Eating a diet rich in vitamin C can help ensure you are getting enough of this essential nutrient to promote healthy gums. Orange juice and other citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, as are leafy greens like kale and collard greens. Many fruits also contain vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts collagen production by the body, thus boosting collagen levels in the skin as well. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps build and maintain healthy teeth, gums, and soft tissues. It also helps prevent infection in the gum tissue and can reverse damage caused by gum disease. Foods high in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens. This vitamin is fat soluble, so be sure you're also getting enough dietary fat to absorb it.

Vitamin K

One of the most important vitamins for teeth and gums is vitamin K, which plays a big role in keeping bones and teeth strong. It also helps blood to clot when an injury occurs to the gums or tooth, preventing excessive bleeding during oral surgery. It can also minimize the effects of diabetes on oral health. This vitamin is found in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as in other dairy products. Dark berries also provide this vitamin.

For more information and tips about improving your dental health, schedule a consultation with your dentist in San Ramon, CA, at Courtyard Dental. You can request an appointment online or by calling the office directly.