Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency can affect both tooth enamel and gum health. Low vitamin D levels in children can affect tooth development, causing teeth to be weaker in adulthood and more prone to cavities or chipping. In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Sufficient intake of vitamin D can decrease the risk of gingivitis and chronic periodontitis, as it has been shown to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative effects and initiates cell apoptosis.
But lower vitamin D levels can cause many dental health issues, including tooth loss, gum inflammation, tooth decay, and more.
As mentioned, the most common vitamin associated with gingivitis is vitamin C and taking a supplement daily may help. In addition, a deficiency of niacin, or vitamin B-3, may also cause bleeding gums and gingivitis.
A deficiency of vitamin C is known to cause scurvy, which is characterized by defective collagen formation due to disturbances in the collagen synthesis. The oral manifestations of scurvy include bleeding gums and gingivitis [3,22,23].
Other factors not related to oral hygiene can also increase your risk of developing gum disease, including smoking, genetic factors, hormonal changes, systemic diseases like diabetes or bruxism (grinding your teeth).
Vitamin D plays a key role in bone and tooth mineralization, and when levels are unregulated it can lead to the “rachitic tooth”, which is a defective and hypomineralized organ highly susceptible to fracture and decay [35,36].
Gingival overgrowth caused by vitamin C deficiency associated with metabolic syndrome and severe periodontal infection: a case report - PMC. The .
[8] Ascorbic acid deficiency has also been implicated in the etiology of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
Sufficient vitamin D levels can potentially decrease inflammation and affect oral microbes related to gum disease.” Aside from vitamin D's role in fighting infections and reducing inflammation, some research has shown that vitamin D receptors are directly associated with periodontitis.
Naturally, since your teeth are made of bone, a lack of Vitamin D3 can impact the health and condition of your teeth. If your body doesn't get enough vitamin D, you're at risk of developing deteriorating teeth and gums as well as bone abnormalities such as soft bones (osteomalacia) or fragile bones (osteoporosis).
Boosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation and thus bone loss and gum recession. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone mineralisation and according to a Comprehensive Review in 2020, vitamin D deficiencies can lead to gingival inflammation and gum disease. And thus gum recession.
Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed. After it progresses into the second stage (periodontitis), it's no longer possible to completely eliminate it.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.
To keep your gums healthy, it's best to avoid sugary foods and beverages in addition to processed carbohydrates. Bacteria feed on the sugars in these foods, making any infection worse. In addition to worsening gum disease, these types of foods also put you at a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities.
You can reverse gingivitis naturally with home remedies like baking soda, a tea tree oil mouthwash, or a salt water rinse to heal your gums. Keep up your good oral health to prevent periodontal disease.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums. If you don't remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums.
Although vitamin D can't undo the harm caused by cavities, it is still critical to healthy teeth and gums, as well as to the development and maintenance of bone.
“Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months time. Vitamin D with a strength of 1000-2000 international units daily is the recommended dose for most adults,” Dr.
However, even if you're an excellent and consistent brusher/flosser, you may still be at risk of developing gingivitis. Such risks are: Family history and genetics – if your parents are prone to gingivitis, you likely will be as well. Diet – if you aren't getting enough vitamin C, you're at risk.