Does Taking Vitamin K2 Benefit Your Oral Health?

Vitamins are essential for your body to perform a variety of essential functions. Most people can get enough vitamins by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, and you can use vitamin supplements if you aren't getting enough of them through whole foods.

Vitamin K is absorbed with fats in your diet and is stored in your body's fatty tissue (it's fat-soluble). This vitamin comes in two types – vitamin K1 (the chemical compound phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (the chemical compound menaquinone).

Vitamin K1 is mostly found in dark leafy greens and vegetable oils. Vitamin K2 can be found in:

• Blue Cheese
• Hard cheeses like gouda and swiss
• Eggs
• Pork
• Chicken
• And natto (a fermented Japanese food made from soybeans)

Vitamin K is essential for strong, healthy bones and plays a vital role in blood clotting. A study published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal says that vitamin K2 is also useful in keeping blood vessels' walls clear of calcium deposits.

So far, there haven't been any scientifically valid human studies on the effects of vitamin K2 on oral health. There have only been discussions and hypotheses put forward about the potential benefits of vitamin K2 for your teeth, such as one published in Medical Hypotheses. This hypothesis suggests vitamin K2 may play a role in preventing cavities; however, more research needs to be conducted on the subject.

According to the National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, you can get the recommended amount of vitamin K by eating a well-balanced diet, and the recommended daily amount depends on age, sex, and whether or not you're a woman who is breastfeeding:

• 0-6 months 2 micrograms
• 7–12 months 2.5 micrograms
• 1–3 years 30 micrograms
• 4–8 years 55 micrograms
• 9–13 years 60 micrograms
• 14–18 years 75 micrograms
• Adult men 19 years+ 120 micrograms
• Adult women 19 years+ 90 micrograms
• Pregnant/breastfeeding teens 75 micrograms
• Pregnant/breastfeeding women 90 micrograms

An article published by John Hopkins Medicine references various studies in which vitamin supplements have been shown to have a negligible effect on the health of the participants. They recommend eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing the sodium, sugar, trans fats, and saturated fats that you eat to best care for your health.

The Mayo Clinic echoes the sentiment, recommending vitamin supplements only if you can't get certain vitamins in your regular diet. For instance, if you're a vegan or vegetarian, you may not get enough vitamin K2 without eating any meats or cheeses. Some medical conditions may require vitamin supplements if you aren't able to absorb enough nutrients naturally.

If you have any questions about vitamin K2, your health and dental professionals can provide you with the best recommendations for your individual needs.

Learn about healthy foods for your teeth.

Vitamin K2 does have some essential benefits, but the impact of K2 on oral health is yet to be proven. You should receive a sufficient amount of menaquinones with a healthy diet, and the best way to take care of your oral health is by practicing good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush at least twice a day, and don't forget to brush your tongue. Consider using other helpful products like an antimicrobial mouthrinse and tongue scrapers. And be sure to see your dental professional for regular appointments. Vitamin K2 may not be a supplement that's known to protect your oral health at this time, but practicing good oral hygiene is a perfect supplement to make you smile.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.