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.
← Back to search
Vitamin

Vitamin K

Likelihood in at-risk patientsLow

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

Evidence confidenceLow

Strength of the peer-reviewed evidence.

Food sources

Leafy greens (kale, spinach), Broccoli and Brussels sprouts, Vegetable oils

Typical intake: No formal RDA established; no upper limit set. Typical adequate-intake targets run ~90–120 mcg/day.

Upper limit: No UL established: no well-documented toxicity from natural forms (phylloquinone/menaquinone) at typical intakes.

Dental & oral effects of deficiency

  • Gingival bleeding / easy bruising

    Vitamin K is required for clotting-factor synthesis; deficiency can present as unexpected gingival bleeding independent of any anticoagulant.

  • Pinpoint red/purple bleeding spots in the mouth (petechiae)

    Small hemorrhagic spots on the oral mucosa can reflect a clotting-factor deficiency.

Dental & oral effects of surplus / excess

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

Sources

  1. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: oral health and nutrition. Touger-Decker R, Mobley C, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2013.
  2. Vitamins and oral mucosal diseases: From bench to the bedside. Yesudian RI, Yesudian PD. Clinics in dermatology, 2026.
  3. A Prescription for Change: Food as Medicine & the Vital Role of Nutrition in Patient Care. teethFirst. Continuing education course material, 2025.