Which vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy gums?

Vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy gums due to its crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is vital for the integrity and strength of the periodontal tissues that support the teeth. Adequate vitamin C levels help prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis, as it supports the immune system and helps in the repair of tissues. Additionally, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that protect the gums from oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to overall oral health. The importance of vitamin C in the diet is underscored by conditions like scurvy, where deficiency leads to gum problems and increased vulnerability to infections.

The other options, while important for various bodily functions, do not specifically address gum health in the same way. Vitamin A supports epithelial tissues, vitamin B12 is involved in red blood cell production and nervous system function, and vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption and bone health. However, none of these vitamins directly influence gum tissue integrity and function as significantly as vitamin C does.