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Vitamins D3 & K2 : Two Key - & Sometimes Overlooked - Nutrients for a Healthy Smile

Yes, we make a big deal about gum disease. There are good reasons why. Most Americans have it to one degree or another. It raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and other systemic health problems. 


Oh, and it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss. 


Simply put, healthy teeth need healthy gums and bone for support. So that means flossing between your teeth and at your gum line. It also means eating right, getting enough sleep and physical activity.


And, of course, it means getting the nutrients your gums need to stay healthy, not the least of which is vitamin C, crucial for keeping the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong. But it’s hardly the only player when it comes to supporting periodontal health. 


Vitamin D Helps You Absorb Calcium & Reduces Inflammation

Another important nutrient is vitamin D. One of the many things it does is help your body absorb calcium, which is incredibly beneficial for your teeth as well as your bones - including the jawbones into which your 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. If you’ve got active gum disease, supplementation is usually recommended. We can talk with you about the best dosage for your specific needs at your next exam and cleaning with us. 


Getting Even More Out of D3 with Vitamin K2


Another nutrient can help you get even more benefit from vitamin D, though. That’s vitamin K2. 


K2 is found in some animal foods, such as liver and cheese, but it’s also something that you can produce in your own gut, with the help of friendly bacteria. Adding probiotic foods or supplements to your daily routine is one way you can go about getting enough K2 for your needs. And combined with vitamin D3, it can have a profound effect on your oral - and whole body - health. 


For 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 you absorb into your bones. Just as important, it keeps the calcium from depositing in your arteries or other organs. 


Again, since your teeth are rooted in your 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. 


So, yes. Gum disease is a very big deal. But you have the power to reverse it - especially through better oral hygiene and nutrition plus periodontal therapy. We’re here to help you make the most of that power so you can keep your smile healthy and attractive for a lifetime.


About the Holistic Dental Center of NJ

For over two decades the Holistic Dental Center has provided exceptional biological dentistry with surgical expertise in a friendly, home-like environment. To schedule your dental appointment give us a call at 908-206-7848 or visit our website at www.holisticdentalcenternj.com 

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