When we think about how we can make our teeth and bones stronger, the first Vitamin that comes to mind is Vitamin D. As we discussed in our previous post (Vitamin D: How much do we need?) Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. But you will see here that it is so much more effective when taken with Vitamin K-2.
Vitamin K-2, or menaquinone, is the missing link that Dr. Weston Price referred to when he did his studies of nutrition, dental health, and physical health.
In 1945, Dr. Price described “a new vitamin-like activator” that played an influential role in the utilization of minerals, protection from tooth decay, growth and development, reproduction, protection against heart disease and the function of the brain. He determined that this compound—which he called Activator X—was found in the butterfat, organs and fat of animals that consumed rapidly growing green grass (in other words, grass-fed animals), fish eggs, and also in fermented foods. It was 40 years later that Activator X was determined to be Vitamin K-2
Demineralized Chipped and Transparent Teeth
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So what are the implications of Vitamin K-2 with dental health?
The most obvious would be bone support holding your teeth in your jaw. If your teeth are loose or your gums are receding, chances are that you are deficient in Vitamin K2. Concomitantly with that, there would be osteopenia or osteoporosis. So it might make sense to get a bone density test, if you are diagnosed with periodontal bone loss.
Another implication of Vitamin K-2 deficiency would be the density of your teeth. If your teeth are thinning, looking more transparent, or have lots of dental cavities (even if you brush and floss daily), then your Vitamin K-2 may be low. At deficiency levels, your teeth will slowly demineralize, making them very susceptible to chipping and decay.
Also notable would be the structural bone growth of children. Vitamin K-2 deficiency will usually create tooth crowding due to underdevelopment of the upper and lower jaws. Vitamin K-2 is essential for bone development as well as bone growth and bone density. Vitamin K-2 promotes healthy bone mineral density by carboxylating osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones.
There are other health benefits associated with Vitamin K-2.
- Heart health. Activates a protein that prevents calcium deposits from forming in the walls of blood vessels. If your K-2 levels are good, it lowers your odds of aneurysm or heart attack.
- Reduce tumor growth. Has antioxidant properties that may help protect against cancer. In addition, findings suggest that K-2 may suppress genetic processes that lead to tumor growth.
- Normalize blood sugar levels. Interacts with osteocalcin which may help the body to use insulin more effectively
- Improve brain health. Mostly due to its antioxidant properties and prevention of blood clots everywhere.
It is clear that Vitamin K-2 plays a vital role in achieving excellent health.
In my many years of dental practice, I have helped countless numbers of patients with obvious Vitamin K-2 deficiency. It is easily correctable if you add the necessary beneficial foods or proper supplement.
To learn more, it would be wise to make an appointment with an informed health practitioner who can guide you appropriately.
