Daily hygiene and check-ups at the dentist are the foundation of healthy teeth and gums. However, we must not forget about vitamins and minerals, which are equally important. Only some of these are produced by our own body, the others must be supplied to the body through a healthy diet and supplementation.
Vitamin C is essential for good periodontal health
Helps in the formation and regeneration of connective tissue, which assists the body with gum infections. People who are deficient in vitamin C may have an increased susceptibility to gum inflammation. - Connective tissue disorders can even lead to serious gum diseases such as scurvy, in which, among other things, impaired collagen production provokes a range of symptoms including swollen, overgrown gums, problems with wound healing, mobility, wobbliness and tooth loss, the dentist warns. On the other hand, bioflavonoids, whose complexes occur with vitamin C, reduce the build-up of plaque, which increases the risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that mobilises our immune system to work and accelerates the healing of wounds, including those in the mouth.
The best sources of vitamin C are rosehips, sea buckthorn, blackcurrants, red peppers, parsley, horseradish, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Vitamin A, although associated with good eyesight and strong immunity, also helps in the maintenance of mucous membranes, periodontal tissues and the production of adequate amounts of saliva. It is important in tooth formation and teething. It is equally helpful in maintaining healthy periodontal tissues, including the gums, as it improves wound healing.
The best sources of vitamin A include fish, egg yolks, cheese, offal e.g. liver, yellow and orange-coloured fruits such as mangoes, carrots, yams, as well as green leafy vegetables e.g. cabbage, spinach rich in beta-carotene, which is the natural form of vitamin A. B vitamins are equally beneficial for oral health. Their deficiency manifests itself in the form of: inflammation of the tongue (dry, purple-coloured tongue), dry lips, cracked corners of the mouth (B2), inflammatory changes in the salivary glands, hypersensitivity of the mucous membranes (B1), congestion of the mucous membranes, burning, swelling and hypertrophy of filiform papillae on the surface of the tongue (B3). The presence of vitamin B6, on the other hand, increases the number of "good" bacteria in the mouth and decreases those responsible for the development of caries. The best sources of B vitamins are poultry, meat, mushrooms, legumes such as beans, peas and green vegetables.
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Coenzyme Q10 acts as a catalyst in the energy production process. - By supplying energy to 95% of our body's cells, it aids, among other things, the proper healing of wounds. It plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease - it reduces susceptibility to the development of gum inflammation, reduces pain, supports the regeneration of periodontal tissues and reduces gum bleeding, explains Dr Stankowska.
The best sources of coenzyme Q10 are pork, beef, poultry liver, rapeseed oil and parsley.
