by Dr. Diana Wu | Mar 11, 2019
Vitamins and minerals are vital for our overall health therefore from a holistic dentistry perspective they would be important for oral health as well. However, their effect on oral health goes beyond the general benefits they have for a healthy lifestyle. Lack of certain vitamins and minerals can cause adverse dental issues discussed in greater details below.
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency might result in brittleness, salivary gland degeneration, and increased risk of cavities. The primary group that is affected by vitamin A deficiency is infants.Vitamin B deficiency
Vitamin B deficiency can cause stomatitis (inflammation and pain of the mouth) or glossitis (inflammation and pain of the tongue) or get oral ulcers. These issues are more common in the elderly, those dealing with alcoholism, and individuals with vegetarian/vegan diets.
Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum inflammation, poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and loosening of teeth. In the case of vitamin C-related issues elderly, smokers, alcoholics, and children whose primary source of nutrition is cow’s milk are at a higher riskVitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can cause underdevelopment of the outer and inner layer of the tooth or tooth loss in extreme cases. Infants that are exclusively breastfed are at a higher risk of the problems associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Calcium & Phosphorus deficiency
Calcium & Phosphorus deficiency during pregnancy may result in bone deformities, incomplete tooth calcification, tooth malformation, increased risk of tooth decay in the developmental stage. Inadequate intake through childhood and into adolescence will lead to decreased bone density and mass. If unaddressed, it will cause osteoporosis – a disorder where the bone becomes porous, brittle and subject to fracture. The other complications for calcium and phosphorus deficiency include tooth mobility, premature tooth loss, and reduced strength of jaw bone.
Fluoride deficiency
Fluoride deficiency can lead to a greater risk of cavities which affects people living in areas with non-fluoridated water supply.Source: https://www.issaquahpremierdental.com/vitamin-mineral-deficiency-on-oral-health/
