Maintaining strong bones has always been a health priority, and your jawbone is one of the most important. This vital structure houses all your bottom teeth, helps you chew your food and lets you communicate effectively. What would you ever do without it? Thankfully, you may never need to think about that scenario if you eat well and get plenty of vitamin K2. But what’s so special about it? Read on to learn more about this vital vitamin and how it helps support stronger jawbones.
What Is Vitamin K2?
Vitamins are essential nutrients that are taken into your body through the food you eat. Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, comes from animal sources like liver and cheese and is an important factor in bone health. It’s also fat-soluble, which means it can be stored in your body’s fat cells for a long time. Because of this, there’s no need to go overboard!
How Does Vitamin K2 Help Your Jawbone?
Vitamin K2 has gained popularity for its ability to support bone health. Here’s how it works:
Activating Osteocalcin
Vitamin K2 activates a protein called osteocalcin, which helps bind calcium to your bones. This enhances bone mineralization and strength, especially in the jawbone where it helps maintain density and prevents bone loss.
Regulating Calcium Deposits
One of the most important functions of vitamin K2 is regulating where calcium goes in the body. It basically acts as a flight coordinator, ensuring that calcium is deposited in the bones and teeth. Without it, your body would be lost, possibly dumping calcium into your arteries and soft tissues instead!
Enhancing Bone Formation
An exciting aspect of new research into vitamin K2 is its ability to help stimulate the formation of new bone. This is especially important in your jawbone as it is continually worn down by the action of chewing. With adequate vitamin K2, this process of continually rebuilding will strengthen your jaw instead of weakening it.
How Can I Get More Vitamin K2?
Because vitamin K2 is fat-soluble, maintaining adequate levels is a lot easier than you might think! The average adult only needs between 100 – 200 micrograms per day based on height, weight, and other biological factors.
Foods like blue cheese, sauerkraut, egg yolks, organ meats, and butter all contain healthy amounts of the vitamin. So, try to incorporate some of these into your diet a couple of times a week and you’ll be able to fully reap the rewards.
Unlocking the potential of this incredible vitamin could be a game-changer for your jawbone health. By supporting calcium regulation and bone formation, this vital vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong jawbone. So, eat up, and smile more!
About the Practice
If you’re ready to improve your smile’s health and appearance, Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group is home to several passionate dental experts who can help. They treat every patient like family, offering customized treatment plans that strive to meet their needs and their goals. Call (617) 523-5451 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to see a full menu of other treatments and services they provide.