You do your best to take care of your body. You brush and floss your teeth every day to fight against oral infection. You also try to stay active and exercise regularly, and you try to have a balanced, healthy diet as well as visit your dentist as often as you should. Maybe you even take supplements to make sure you get the all the nutrition you need.
Your body needs many vitamins and minerals to function properly, and you’re likely already familiar with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and calcium. However, one that doesn’t get very much media attention is Vitamin K2. Continue reading to learn more about this particular vitamin and how it can help you keep your smile, and the rest of your body, healthy.
What Is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K consists of two chemical called phylloquinones, which are found in leafy greens, and menaquinones, which is Vitamin K2. This particular subset can be tricky to absorb because it is not typically found in vegetables or fruits like many other vitamins.
Benefits of Vitamin K2
Although more research is needed, some scientists suggest that Vitamin K2 can have substantial benefits for your bones throughout your body. Vitamin K plays an essential role in healthy bone tissue and may even help with blood clotting. As a result, it stands to reason that getting enough vitamin K can also help reinforce and strengthen your jawbone.
This extra bone tissue boost can come in handy particularly if you are trying to prepare for dental implants, as this process depends on the density of your jawbone. Without a strong jawbone, implant integration would not be successful. Therefore, Vitamin K2 may be beneficial for those who are considering implants.
This vitamin may also help you avoid tooth decay, some researchers postulate. It follows reason to assume that stronger teeth and bones can protect against cavities, but this hypothesis has yet to be proven.
How to Get Vitamin K2
The best way to get a healthy amount of Vitamin K in your system is through your diet. Along with healthy fats in your diet, Vitamin K is absorbed and stored in your body’s fatty tissue. Some of the foods that contain high amounts of Vitamin K2 include pork, chicken, eggs, and hard cheeses.
If you aren’t getting enough Vitamin K through your diet, you may take supplements, but you stand to benefit most from altering your diet and getting vitamins that way.
In the end, whether you get it from a vitamin supplement or through your regularly diet, Vitamin K2 is important for your smile’s long-term health, and you should continue healthy habits that can help you smile for a long time to come!
About the Author
Dr. John Petty has been practicing dentistry for decades and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction few dentists achieve in their careers. He also served as the General Chairman of the Annual Session of the Tennessee Dental Association twice. Whether you need complex treatment or you simply want advice for strengthening your smile, Dr. Petty can help you achieve your goals. Reach out to our team to schedule your appointment at Petty Dental today!