Dentists may be the first to spot nutritional problems related to periodontal disease By Dr. Mike Kimberly

Most people have heard from their dentists that poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing, flossing, or rinsing enough, is the leading cause of gum disease. High sugar diets and smoking are also factors that can increase oral problems. These problems can cause bad breath, decay, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss.

While good nutrition leads to good oral health, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals can cause problems such as gum disease. Dentists may be the first to spot symptoms that may be a result of nutritional problems, according to a report in General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry. 

Vitamins essential for oral health:
 

Vitamins:	Promotes:	Deficiencies can cause:
Vitamin A	Improved wound healing	Increase in periodontal pockets
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	Healthy gums	Loss of gum tissue, gum bleeding and tooth mobility (smokers and patients with diabetes are especially vulnerable)
Vitamin D	Strong teeth and jaw bones	Bone resorption, tooth loss
Vitamin E	Protects against oral leukoplakia	Increased healing time
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)Vitamin B6(Pyridoxine)Vitamin B12	Healthy gums, decreased gum redness and bleeding	Red and/or bleeding gums, cheilitis (dryness/sores in the corners of lips), inflamed tongue (red, painful and smooth)
Folic acid	Good oral health	None known

Information courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry 

Minerals needed for good oral health:

• Copper 
• Fluoride 
• Iodine 
• Iron 
• Magnesium 
• Potassium 
• Phosphorous 
• Zinc 

Here are some things that can help you maintain good oral health

• Eat a well-balanced diet to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. And if you keep the sugar and starch intake low-or at least brush well after eating-you'll get fewer cavities; 
• If you smoke, you not only raise your chance of having heart or lung disease but the tar and nicotine in cigarettes makes you more prone to developing gum disease; 
• Check your gums regularly. Look for redness, puffiness, soreness, bleeding or sensitivity-anything that's not comfortable. 
• See your dentist regularly, whether or not you are experiencing problems. Just because you don't see anything doesn't mean there isn't something wrong. When we do an exam, we look for any sign of tissue that is not healthy. 
• Always remember to drink lots of water - It is good for your entire body!

If you are interested in purchasing vitamins and minerals you can visit:
Freelife Vitamins & Minerals

If you have any questions please contact your dentist or email me at drmike@raex.com or visit our message board - maybe someone else has the same issues as you.