The Effects Of Nutrition On Oral Membranes

The oral membranes cover your lips and line your mouth and upper throat. These tissues, also known as the oral mucosa, normally remain moist due to the secretion of saliva. Your nutrition affects the health of your oral membranes. Certain nutritional deficiencies or poor dietary habits may adversely affect your oral membranes, potentially causing secondary damage to your teeth.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Your oral membranes are vulnerable to adverse effects caused by a dietary vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy. Ongoing production of the structural protein collagen requires an adequate supply of vitamin C. Because collagen is abundant in your oral membranes and blood vessels, impaired production causes defects in these tissues. With scurvy, your gums swell, redden and bleed easily. The consistency of your gums becomes spongy and your teeth may loosen. Oral symptoms of scurvy resolve with adequate intake of vitamin C from food and supplements. Citrus fruit, kiwis, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, green peppers and Brussels sprouts are good dietary sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin B Deficiency

Inflammation of your mouth, tongue or both may signal a nutritional deficiency of one or more of the B complex vitamins, including riboflavin, folate, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7 and B-12. Your tongue may appear red and swollen; a burning sensation may accompany the inflammation. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is most commonly associated with tongue inflammation, or glossitis. Enriched-grain products are good sources of many of the B complex vitamins. Lean meats, eggs and green leafy vegetables also provide you with these micronutrients.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency often causes abnormalities of your oral membranes. Your tongue may become inflamed, swell and burn. Your mouth and lips may become dry, with painful cracks developing at the corners of your mouth. With a severe iron deficiency, you may experience difficulty swallowing and speaking clearly due to dryness of your oral membranes. To prevent iron deficiency, include an ample amount of iron-rich foods in your diet, such as spinach, liver, lean meat, tuna, shrimp, oysters, lentils and cashews.

High-Sugar Diet

A high-sugar diet may contribute to the development of gum disease, or periodontitis. With this condition, bacteria in your mouth produce plaque that builds up around your teeth. Plaque inflames your gums and causes open pockets around your teeth. Your teeth may loosen with advanced periodontitis. The bacteria that produce plaque feed on sugar. Eating sugary foods without brushing your teeth afterward promotes increased numbers of plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. With periodontal disease, your gums redden, swell and bleed. Without treatment, gum disease may lead to tooth loss.