Which vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy gums?

Vitamin C is crucial for maintaining healthy gums due to its role in collagen synthesis, which is a vital component of the connective tissue that supports the gums. This vitamin helps in the repair and maintenance of gum tissue, and a deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to weakened gums, inflammation, and conditions such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect the gums from damage caused by free radicals.

Other vitamins play important roles in overall health, but Vitamin C is specifically associated with gum health due to its direct impact on gum tissue integrity and immune function within the oral cavity. For instance, Vitamin A supports mucosal health but is not as directly linked to gum tissue as Vitamin C. Vitamin B12 contributes to the health of cells and nerves, but it does not have the same specific effect on gums. Vitamin D is important for overall bone health and calcium absorption, but it does not have a targeted influence on gum health like Vitamin C does.