Over the years, you’ve likely heard at least a little about how certain nutrients help your smile. Almost everyone these days knows that calcium strengthens teeth, for example, as the fact has been widely publicized. Still, you likely weren’t aware that vitamin K2 can fortify your jawbone. This finding was only recently confirmed, so you’d do well to learn its details. With that said, keep reading to learn about vitamin K2, its oral health effects, and how to get more of it.
Remind Me: What’s Vitamin K2?
To make sense of the finding above, you must grasp what vitamin K2 is. The best way to handle the latter task is to review the basics.
Vitamin K2 is one of the three types of vitamin K, being a tissue and bacterial product found in animals and fermented foods. It was first discovered in 1929 as an essential nutrient for blood coagulation. Later still, scholars noted that it can prevent calcium buildup in one’s arteries.
In scientific circles, vitamin K2 is also known as menaquinone. It can also be further divided into several subtypes, including MK-4 and MK-7.
How Does It Impact Oral Health?
While vitamin K2’s effect on oral health hasn’t been studied a lot, the initial research looks promising. Scientists have begun to think that the nutrient fortifies one’s jawbone.
Indeed, some studies suggest that vitamin K2 improves jawbone density. One study saw the vitamin increase bone strength, thus reducing the risk of fractures in women with weak bones. Another linked poor vitamin K intake with low bone mass and osteoporosis. In light of such conclusions, ingesting vitamin K is likely to strengthen your jawbone and the teeth supported by it.
Vitamin K2 can also affect your pearly whites directly. In particular, some scholars believe it prevents cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
Can You Get More Vitamin K2?
It’s quite possible to get more vitamin K2 by eating a well-balanced diet. That being said, consider eating more of the following foods:
- Dairy products, especially cheeses — blue cheese, Gouda, Swiss, etc.
- Eggs
- Pork
- Chicken
- Liver
- Grass-fed beef
- Sauerkraut
- Natto (a fermented Japanese food made from soybeans)
If meal changes aren’t an option, another idea is to take vitamin K2 supplements. You can often find the latter in your local pharmacy.
Since vitamin K2 can fortify your jawbone, don’t ignore it going forward. Make sure your diet features this nutrient, as you’ll then have a strong and stable jaw!
About the Practice
Pinkerton Dental Group is based in Derry, NH. Led by Drs. Ropi and Dion, our practice combines warm compassion with effective, comprehensive, and tailored dentistry. That means you can trust us with your whole smile, whether you need a dental checkup and cleaning or top-tier dental implant surgery. Whatever problem your grin faces, rest assured that our team is on it! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (603)-434-0040.