Vitamins for Gums: What You Need to Keep Gums Healthy

Healthy gums are a part of good oral health. Good oral health includes keeping your gums healthy too. Healthy gums are pink and firm. They should not look red and swollen. To keep gums healthy, it’s necessary to practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day,  rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing your teeth, seeing your dentist regularly, and avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco. Taking the right vitamins for gums can also help with maintaining their good health.

When people neglect their gums, gum disease can occur. The kinds of disease ranges from simple gum inflammation, or gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth (periodontitis). In severe cases, individuals can actually lose teeth.

Kinds of Gum Diseases

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and it usually precedes periodontitis, which is a gum disease that leads to tooth loss in adults. However, not all gingivitis cases progress to periodontitis.

In gingivitis, the gums are red and swollen, and they bleed easily. Because this is a mild form of gum disease, it is easily reversible by daily brushing and flossing of teeth, and by regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. 

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If you have periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected.

If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. But the damage isn’t confined to the mouth. Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases.

Over the years, it’s been found that people with periodontitis have higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, pregnancy complications, and dementia.

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Plaque is the main cause of gum disease, but there are other factors that can contribute to this problem. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation can make gums more sensitive. This sensitivity can make it easier for gingivitis to develop.

Other illnesses may also affect the condition of your gums. These include cancer or HIV, which interfere with the immune system. People with diabetes are also prone to higher risk of developing gum diseases because of the body’s ability to use blood sugar. Another factor is medications. Some lessen the flow of saliva, which acts as a protective film for teeth and gums. Some may also cause abnormal growth in gum tissue.

Bad habits such as smoking can also make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself. 

Finally, family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gum disease.

Vitamins for Gums to Keep Them Healthy

Getting the right vitamins for gums means eating a healthy diet. While a balanced diet is a given, we will be putting further emphasis on the right vitamins for gums.

Vitamin C

The first among the vitamins for gums is vitamin C. This vitamin boosts the immune system, making the body stronger against infections, including gum diseases. Other benefits of this vitamin include helping the body repair damaged tissue and protection against cardiovascular problems, prenatal issues, eye diseases, and skin wrinkling. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The next vitamin is omega-3 fatty acids. Because our bodies don’t naturally produce this, we need to get them from our diet.

Flaxseed and canola oils, soybeans and tofu, walnuts, cod liver, and fish such as mackerel, tuna, and salmon are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Some evidence shows that people whose diets are high in omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of periodontitis. These provide essential nutrients and they also suppress inflammation.

Vitamin D

The last vitamins for gums is vitamin D. This is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system.

Usually, vitamin D production occurs when sunlight hits your skin, but it is also accessible through food and supplements. Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include salmon, yogurt, portabella mushrooms, tuna, and dairy and non-dairy milk.

Final Reminders

Keeping your gums healthy prevents inflammation, tooth loss, and more serious complications. Vitamins for gums can also prove to be beneficial to maintain your overall health. Consult your dentist regarding gum health.

Learn more about Gum and Mouth Diseases here.