Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Vitamin

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Likelihood in at-risk patientsLow

Likelihood of deficiency within an at-risk group, not the general population.

Evidence confidenceModerate

Strength of the peer-reviewed evidence.

Food sources

Dairy, Eggs, Meat, Leafy greens, Fortified grains

Typical intake: 1.2 mg/day for men, 1.1 mg/day for women (RDA).

Upper limit: No UL established: water-soluble with no well-documented toxicity from oral intake.

Dental & oral effects of deficiency

  • Cracked, inflamed lips and mouth corners (cheilitis/angular stomatitis)

    Inflammation and cracking of the lips, often with angular involvement.

  • Swollen, magenta-red tongue (glossitis)

    Magenta, swollen tongue is a classic early sign of riboflavin deficiency.

Associated with deficiency

  • Ariboflavinosis: Cheilitis, glossitis, dermatitis, and light sensitivity from riboflavin deficiency.

Dental & oral effects of surplus / excess

No well-established oral-specific effect of excess intake on file.

Sources

  1. Riboflavin: Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2026.
  2. A Prescription for Change: Food as Medicine & the Vital Role of Nutrition in Patient Care. teethFirst. Continuing education course material, 2025.