Poor nutrition and a lack of certain key nutrients increase the risk of developing oral diseases, exposing the mouth to infection and periodontal disease — gum disease — as well as the potential for bone loss and tooth loss.
Approximately 50% of people have some form of gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. And that often leads to periodontal disease.
Studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and serious chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Also, dietary deficiencies have been associated with oral health conditions like osteoporosis of the surrounding bone, loss of taste, halitosis (bad breath), and mouth and tongue sores.
Deficiencies in vitamin C, iron and zinc could compromise the resistance of gum tissue to the bacteria in dental plaque.
A well-balanced diet helps to strengthen the immune system, promotes healing, helps prevent oral cancers, and contributes to healthy teeth and gums.
Vitamins and minerals help the body combat bleeding and swollen gums, loosening of teeth, tooth decay and halitosis. They help form antibodies to boost the immune system, fight bacteria and infection, destroy foreign substances, and eliminate toxins. Vitamins and minerals share a symbiotic relationship. Vitamins cannot be used or absorbed without the presence of minerals. And the body can’t make minerals. We need to ingest them through foods or supplements.
Oral lesions (changes in the texture of the gums and lips and burning sensations in the tongue) are one of the most common signs of vitamin deficiencies.
Unhealthy, bleeding gums also could be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. The lack of magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamin E or vitamin C can allow rapid destruction of cell membranes, compromising the structural integrity of the cells, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Bleeding gums attract scavenging bacteria, and the bacterial digestion of blood creates unpleasant mouth odors. Fortunately, this cycle can be prevented by proper oral hygiene and an adequate diet.
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, floss once a day, see a dental health professional regularly, avoid sugary beverages, drink plenty of water, and eat a well-balanced diet.
Environmental Nutrition is an award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts to provide up-to-date, accurate information on health and nutrition.
