Vitamin D Can Help Fight Bad Breath & Impede Gum Disease

Everyone has bad breath now and then. (Remember when wearing masks made us all hyperaware of this?) But if your bad breath is more consistent, you may want to check out this unexpected method of managing it.

Gingivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gums1, and its symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums; sensitive teeth; receding gums; and bad breath. If gingivitis progresses, periodontitis—a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss—can develop.

If left unchecked, periodontitis (aka periodontal disease or gum disease) can lead to the breakdown of bone tissue and the development of a "periodontal pocket" between the tooth and the gums where bacteria can build up. More advanced periodontitis may even affect jaw bone density.

Studies have consistently found connections between periodontal disease and vitamin D deficiency; people with periodontal disease have lower vitamin D levels than people without. 2

According to a 2018 scientific Medicina article, vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of periodontal disease3. Alternatively, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can help promote periodontal and jawbone integrity and bolster a healthy inflammatory response in the mouth.

Prevention of periodontitis includes good oral hygiene, like brushing your teeth and getting deep cleans at the dentist. But with research evaluating the impact of vitamin D deficiency on gum disease, there may be another step to add to your oral care routine.

Scientists are analyzing whether taking vitamin D is an effective strategy for managing gingivitis. Preliminary studies have revealed that vitamin D might be helpful for those who already have gingivitis, as it helps stave off gingivitis from getting worse4, improves the gum inflammation associated with gingivitis5, and even results in better oral surgery outcomes6.

Brushing and flossing aren't the only ways to achieve good oral health. Raising your vitamin D levels through supplementation can help to you avoid gum disease altogether.