Tongue and mouth vitamin deficiency

Nutrition and oral health share an interdependent relationship.



Good nutrition promotes oral health that acts as a catalyst to promote overall health and development. This is because mouth is the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract and has the ability to chew and swallow, potentially, providing essential nutrients to the body for good health.

Oral diseases are often associated with vitamin deficiency. Mouth or oral cavity shows characteristics signs and symptoms in case of unusual food practices, limited supply of vitamin rich foods or lack of specific vitamins in the diet.



The common vitamins responsible for various oral manifestations are Vitamin B, C, D and K.

Vitamin B deficiency often leads to burning sensation in the mouth. This creates trouble in swallowing and may break tissues of inner cheeks. Severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in various gastrointestinal and neurological defects that result in numb or tingling limbs.



If any individual develops a sore, pale fissured, swollen and a beefy-red tongue, vitamin deficiency is the only reason. Vitamins responsible for the tongue defects are niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid and B12 Vitamin. In case of chronic vitamin deficiency, the tongue may become atrophic and smooth.

Deficiency of Vitamin B may also increase the risk of various other oral diseases like angular cheilitis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, chronic oral mucosal candidiasis and astrophic glossitis. To combat these symptoms, it is important to add various rich sources of B Vitamins like pork, liver, enriched grains, legumes, milk, egg, nuts, bananas, leafy green vegetables, oranges and fortified cereals.

Deficiency of Vitamin C hampers the synthesis of collagen, a building block for many tissues. This results in bleeding gums and a gum disease known as gingivitis.



To prevent the outcomes of this disease, it is essential to have good sources of Vitamin C like citrus fruits, dark green vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes.

Deficiency of Vitamin D affects the strength and quality of bones along with the formation of teeth. Individuals suffering from this deficiency are at a greater risk of having jaw fracture and periodontal disease.



Ensure that the body is exposed to sunlight for several minutes at least three times a week to absorb this essential vitamin. It is also found in fish liver oils, egg yolk, milk and milk products.

Vitamin K deficiency is known to hinder the blood coagulation process. This results in excessive bleeding from the gums and teeth even in case of minor injury or tooth extract. Good percentage of Vitamin K is found in liver, green leafy vegetables, milk, eggs and citrus fruits.