Dentists may be the first to spot nutritional problems
related to periodontal disease
By Dr. Mike Kimberly
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Most people have heard from their dentists that poor
oral hygiene, such as not brushing, flossing, or rinsing
enough, is the leading cause of gum disease. High sugar
diets and smoking are also factors that can increase
oral problems. These problems can cause bad breath, decay,
gum disease, and eventual tooth loss.
While good nutrition leads to good oral health, a lack of certain
vitamins and minerals can cause problems such as gum disease.
Dentists may be the first to spot symptoms that may be a result
of nutritional problems, according to a report in General Dentistry,
the peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Vitamins essential for oral health:
| Vitamins: |
Promotes: |
Deficiencies can cause: |
| Vitamin A |
Improved wound healing |
Increase in periodontal pockets |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) |
Healthy gums |
Loss of gum tissue, gum bleeding and
tooth mobility (smokers and patients with diabetes
are especially vulnerable) |
| Vitamin D |
Strong teeth and jaw bones |
Bone resorption, tooth loss |
| Vitamin E |
Protects against oral leukoplakia |
Increased healing time |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)Vitamin B6(Pyridoxine)Vitamin
B12 |
Healthy gums, decreased gum redness and
bleeding |
Red and/or bleeding gums, cheilitis (dryness/sores
in the corners of lips), inflamed tongue (red,
painful and smooth) |
| Folic acid |
Good oral health |
None known |
Information courtesy of the Academy of General
Dentistry
Minerals needed for good oral health:
- Copper
- Fluoride
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Phosphorous
- Zinc
Here are some things that can help you maintain good
oral health
- Eat a well-balanced diet to ensure you get all the
vitamins and minerals you need. And if you keep the
sugar and starch intake low-or at least brush well
after eating-you'll get fewer cavities;
- If you smoke, you not only raise your chance of having
heart or lung disease but the tar and nicotine in cigarettes
makes you more prone to developing gum disease;
- Check your gums regularly. Look for redness, puffiness,
soreness, bleeding or sensitivity-anything that's not
comfortable.
- See your dentist regularly, whether or not you are experiencing
problems. Just because you don't see anything doesn't
mean there isn't something wrong. When we do an exam, we
look for any sign of tissue that is not healthy.
- Always remember to drink lots of water - It is good for
your entire body!
If you are interested in purchasing vitamins
and minerals you can visit:
Freelife
Vitamins & Minerals
If you have any questions please contact your dentist
or email me at drmike@raex.com or
visit our message board - maybe someone else has the same issues
as you.
