Our team at Better & Better led the first-ever systemic analysis to see how standard oral vitamins stack up to buccal and sublingual vitamins.
DID YOU KNOW?
The tissues inside your mouth are more absorbent than your digestive system—they absorb up to 90% of the nutrients they come in contact with.
Our Research Process
Our resident scientists conducted a global search of medical journals spanning four decades to examine the efficacy of buccal and sublingual administration of five micronutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.
EXPERT LED
By quantitative scientist Dr. Andrijana Radivojevic, Ph.D.
DEEPLY RESEARCHED
Comprehensive search of medical literature
THOROUGH ANALYSIS
26 total studies included in our analysisve
WHAT WE FOUND
Research from the past four decades consistently shows that buccal and sublingual administration of nutrients is equally or more effective than pills, capsules, injections, and gummies. Even vitamin-fortified toothpaste was shown to be highly-effective at correcting nutrient deficiencies.
Our full report has factsand findings from 26 studies.Below are essential highlights.
Sublingual and Buccal Nutrients Can Be Absorbed More Efficiently Than Oral Nutrients
Sublingual and buccal vitamins bypass the digestive system and go straight into the bloodstream, where the body can use them quickly and efficiently.Adults taking buccal vitamin D supplements nearly doubled their serum vitamin D levels after 30 days compared to those given gelatin capsules.
SERUM D3 LEVELS AFTER 30 DAYS:
- Buccal spray: 18.91 to 26.91 ng/mL (42.3% increase)
- Gelatin capsules: 18.69 to 22.75 ng/mL (21.7% increase)
Source: Nutritional Journal
Similarly, all eleven of the studies in our meta-analysis involving vitamin B12 concluded that sublingual or buccal administration was equally or more effective than oral administration at raising serum levels.
Vitamin-Fortified Toothpaste Is Highly Effective at Correcting Nutrient Deficiencies
We reviewed three studies about the effectiveness of vitamin-fortified toothpaste to administer micronutrients—all of them concluded it was an effective mechanism, especially for vegans and elderly folks.
After brushing with a B12-fortified toothpaste for 12 weeks, vegans increased their serum B12 levels by 41%.
Sublingual Vitamins Can Work Better Than Intramuscular Injections
Vitamin injections have gained popularity in recent years, but our meta-analysis found that you might be better off taking your vitamins under your tongue rather than in your arm.
Adults who took sublingual B12 had 15.5% higher serum B12 levels compared to those who took an intramuscular injection.SERUM B12 LEVELS:
- Sublingual group: 252 ng/L
- Intramuscular injection group: 218 ng/L
Source: Drug Delivery and Translational Research
“Sublingual B12 should become the first line option for patients with vitamin B12 deficiency,” the researchers concluded.
FURTHER READING
Is Mouthwash Bad For You? 5 Reasons to Reconsider
There’s nothing quite like that post-mouthwash burn—that tingly sensation that makes you feel like you’ve just exorcised every germ from your mouth. Feels clean, right? Well, not so fast. Despite its reputation as an essential step in oral hygiene, mouthwash isn’t necessarily the hero product you’ve been led to believe. Sure, it freshens breath and kills bacteria, but at what cost? Some formulas can disrupt your oral microbiome, cause sensitivity, and even stain your teeth. Before you tip back another shot of antiseptic mint, let’s take a closer look at what mouthwash is actually doing to your mouth—and whether you really need it. Is Mouthwash Bad For You? Mouthwash isn’t bad for you in the same way that drinking soda or skipping floss is. But it’s not exactly harmless, either. While some dentists recommend mouthwash for specific concerns—like gingivitis or post-surgical care—using it daily as a cure-all for bad breath and cavities might not be doing you any favors. Many conventional mouthwashes contain alcohol and antibacterial agents that wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Your mouth has its own ecosystem, known as the oral microbiome, which plays a crucial role in keeping your breath fresh, breaking down food, and protecting your enamel. Overusing mouthwash can throw this delicate balance out of whack, leading to irritation, sensitivity, and even increased risk of cavities. Not to mention, mouthwash is often used as a band-aid solution for deeper issues like dry mouth, a poor diet, or inadequate brushing and flossing. Instead of masking problems with a minty rinse, you’re better off tackling the root causes of bad breath and cavities. 5 Potential Drawbacks of Mouthwash Let’s break down the top five ways mouthwash might be doing more harm than good. 1. Oral Microbiome Disruption Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some of the bacteria in your mouth help protect against cavities, break down food, and maintain fresh breath. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are designed to kill germs—but they don’t discriminate. When you regularly wipe out your microbiome, it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, leaving you more vulnerable to bad breath and dental issues in the long run. 2. Increased Sensitivity Ever feel a sharp zing in your teeth after using mouthwash? That’s because many formulas contain alcohol, which can dry out the mouth and strip away your saliva’s natural protective properties. Saliva plays a key role in neutralizing acids and keeping your enamel strong. Without it, your teeth can become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. 3. Tooth Staining Ironically, some mouthwashes can actually stain your teeth over time. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a common antibacterial agent in mouthwash, has been linked to brown or yellow discoloration on teeth—definitely not the “clean” look most people are going for. 4. Allergic Reactions Certain ingredients in mouthwash, like artificial dyes and flavoring agents, can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms range from mild irritation to full-blown contact dermatitis inside the mouth. If you’ve ever noticed redness, burning, or peeling after using mouthwash, it might be time to reconsider your rinse. 5. Increased Blood Pressure Some research suggests that frequent use of antibacterial mouthwash can actually raise blood pressure. This is because mouthwash kills nitric oxide-producing bacteria in the mouth—bacteria that help relax blood vessels and regulate circulation. If you’re already managing high blood pressure, you might want to rethink your mouthwash habit. How to Maintain Your Oral Health Without Mouthwash You don’t need mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and your teeth healthy. A strong oral care routine that focuses on preventing issues (rather than masking them) will do a much better job at keeping your mouth in top shape. Use a Vitamin Mouth Spray Instead of swishing alcohol-based mouthwash, try a vitamin-infused oral spray like Balance. Packed with zinc and B12, this multifunctional mist helps moisturize your mouth, fight dry mouth, and freshen breath—all without disrupting your oral microbiome. Plus, it tastes like refreshing cucumber mint, so you still get that clean-mouth feeling without the burn. Brush with Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste If you want to strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities, ditch the fluoride mouthwash and switch to Fortify. This toothpaste is powered by hydroxyapatite, a non-toxic, fluoride alternative that naturally rebuilds and protects your teeth. Hydroxyapatite has been widely used in Japan and Europe for decades, and studies show it’s just as effective (if not more) than fluoride at preventing cavities. Floss Every Day Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth—something mouthwash can’t do. If you want to prevent bad breath and gum disease, flossing is a non-negotiable step in your routine. Use a Tongue Scraper A lot of bad breath bacteria live on your tongue. Instead of rinsing with alcohol-based mouthwash, try using a tongue scraper to physically remove odor-causing bacteria. It’s simple, effective, and far better for your oral microbiome. Stay Hydrated Dry mouth is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your body produce enough saliva to naturally wash away bacteria and keep your breath fresh—no mouthwash needed. Mouthwash: Essential or Just Extra? Mouthwash isn’t the villain of oral care, but it’s also not the essential product it’s often made out to be. While it can be useful in specific situations, it’s not a substitute for good habits like brushing, flossing, and staying hydrated. If you love that fresh, just-rinsed feeling, opt for a gentle, microbiome-friendly alternative like Balance Vitamin Mouth Spray or Fortify Toothpaste. Your mouth (and your good bacteria) will thank you.
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Ask the Dentist: What Happens If You Don’t Floss Your Teeth?
Forgetting to floss might not seem like a big deal, especially if your teeth look and feel fine. But falling behind on your routine could raise your risk for health conditions that are way worse than bad breath. See what Dr. Rashi, our resident dentist, says about the risks in our latest blog.
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