Vitamins D3 and K2
Two Key and Sometimes Overlooked Nutrients for a Healthy Smile
We make a big deal about gum disease. There are good reasons why. Most Americans have it to one degree or another. It raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline and other systemic health problems.
And it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
Simply put, healthy teeth need healthy gums and bone for support. So, this means flossing between the teeth and at the gum line. It also means eating right, getting enough sleep and physical activity.
It also means getting the nutrients gums need to stay healthy, not the least of which is vitamin C, crucial for keeping the connective tissues in our gums healthy and strong. But it’s hardly the only player when it comes to supporting periodontal health.
VITAMIN D HELPS ABSORB CALCIUM AND REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Another important nutrient is vitamin D. One of the many things it does is help the body absorb calcium, which is incredibly beneficial for teeth as well as bones, including the jawbones into which teeth are set.
But vitamin D has also been shown to reduce inflammation, a hallmark of gum disease. Over the years, science has shown that maintaining good D levels can lower the risk of both gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and chronic periodontitis (severe gum disease).
D3 is the preferred form of the nutrient. It’s absorbed faster and is more effective than the D2 found in plants and typically used to fortify milk and other foods. To treat active gum disease, supplementation is usually recommended. A dental practitioner can provide the best dosage for specific needs during exams and cleaning sessions.
GETTING EVEN MORE OUT OF D3 WITH VITAMIN K2
Another nutrient can help us get even more benefit from vitamin D. That’s vitamin K2. It’s found in some animal foods, such as liver and cheese, but it’s also something that we can produce in our own gut, with the help of friendly bacteria. Adding probiotic foods or supplements to a daily routine is one way to get enough K2 for one’s needs.
And combined with vitamin D3, it can have a profound effect on our oral—and whole-body—health.
Vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein hormone that’s produced by specialized cells called osteoblasts. These are the cells from which bone develops. Osteocalcin helps get the calcium that D3 has helped us absorb into our bones. Just as important, it keeps the calcium from depositing in our arteries or other organs.
Since our teeth are rooted in our jawbones, keeping that bone healthy is crucial. One of the most devastating things about gum disease is that, as it progresses, it destroys that supportive bone. If the disease goes unaddressed, the teeth will eventually loosen in their sockets and ultimately fall out—if they’re not recommended for extraction before then.
For all of these reasons, gum disease is a very big deal. But we have the power to reverse it, especially through better oral hygiene and nutrition plus periodontal therapy. Proper vitamin intake can help us make the most of that power so we can keep our smiles healthy and attractive for a lifetime.
For over two decades, the Holistic Dental Center of New Jersey has provided exceptional biological dentistry with surgical expertise in a friendly, home-like environment. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment, call at 973-609-5984 or visit
HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.
