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Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining good oral health. Adequate levels of these substances are crucial to proper growth and development, as well as maintenance of good health. When a person has a deficiency of one or more vitamins, symptoms may affect various areas of the body, including the mouth and teeth. Additionally, poor oral health often affects eating habits, with the affected person eating less fresh fruits and vegetables. This may exacerbate vitamin and mineral deficiencies with wide-ranging affects.

Vitamins are organic compounds that help maintain the body’s normal metabolic functions. They come from sources outside the body — chiefly from the diet. There are two major types of vitamins:

• Fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and stored in the liver and body fat. The body’s ability to store these vitamins means that deficiencies may not be evident for some period of time. Examples of fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, K and E.
  
  
• Water-soluble vitamins. These vitamins are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. They are not well-stored in the body, so deficiencies usually become evident very quickly. Examples of water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and B-complex vitamins.

People need varying amounts of vitamins based on their age, gender, physical health, daily activity regimen, and whether or not they are pregnant or breastfeeding. The U.S. government has established guidelines for the recommended dietary allowances of vitamins and minerals for healthy individuals. These are primarily based on a person’s age and gender.

Whole foods (foods that are not processed or refined) are the best sources of vitamins. Vitamins from foods are the most easily absorbed by the body and they also include small amounts of other nutrients that supplements do not contain. Most people who do not have illnesses or other special conditions can get the proper amount of vitamins they require simply by eating a well-balanced diet. However, many studies have shown that the majority of Americans' diets do not supply the recommended levels of vitamins and nutrients, especially those that are present in fruits and vegetables. For this reason, many nutritionists recommend supplementing with a quality, wide-spectrum multivitamin.

When people do not get the proper amount of vitamins, they develop vitamin deficiencies. This can occur for several reasons. A poorly balanced diet can cause vitamin deficiencies. Also, as people get older, they do not absorb vitamins as readily, which can lead to deficiencies. Other causes include chronic diseases or medications that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamins.

Poor oral health can be both a cause and effect of vitamin deficiency. This can occur for several reasons. The most common cause is a poorly balanced diet. Groups most commonly affected by vitamin deficiency include the elderly, vegans (who avoid animal products), the very poor, alcoholics, and patients who have undergone obesity surgery such as gastric bypass.

The elderly, especially, suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiency. Tooth loss can influence the ability to chew certain types of foods and limit vitamin intake. Coupled with loss of interest in food, the result can be malnutrition. The problem is worsened because absorption of vitamins and minerals can be severely impaired among older people. For example, vitamin D absorption is dramatically reduced among the elderly, which in turn affects calcium utilization, which then affects bone and tooth health.

A dentist, hygienist, or other dental health professional who recognizes signs of vitamin deficiency – such as an abnormality in the mouth tissue or delayed tooth development – will likely refer the patient to a physician for proper treatment.