How Does Vitamin D Affect Your Teeth?
As you know, vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. It’s important for your teeth and gums’ health. Experts have linked a vitamin D deficiency to 2 major oral problems.
1. Tooth Decay
Vitamin D is important as it helps absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus for tooth mineralization and bone. However, your teeth may weaken when your vitamin D levels are low or unregulated. This makes you highly vulnerable to fractures, cavities, and decay. A study of U.S. adults shows that lower levels of vitamin D can cause dental caries.
2. Periodontitis
According to the Journal of Periodontal Research, lower vitamin D levels are linked with an increased risk of periodontitis. This is because vitamin D has a connection to your immune system. This vitamin seems to positively impact inflammation and tooth mineralization effects on tissues near your teeth.
How Do You Get More Vitamin D?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a vitamin D deficiency, you should read along to find ways to increase your vitamin D levels. You should:
Spend more time in the sun
The exact time duration of sun exposure varies depending on your skin tone, the amount of skin exposed, and the time of year. However, sunscreen does hinder vitamin D production. So remember that too much sun exposure can burn your skin and even lead to skin cancer.
Eat vitamin D rich foods
Foods such as cod liver oil, trout, and salmon are a good source of vitamin D. You can also take milk and cereals if fish isn’t easily available.
Try a vitamin D supplement
If you have vitamin D deficiency and you’re struggling to get it through sunlight and diet, you might ask your doctor about a vitamin D supplement. They can recommend the right dosage based on your specific needs.
Conclusion
Now that you have one more reason to go outside and enjoy the sun today, stop and think about how amazing your body is. Vitamin D is not only beneficial for your overall health, but it is also good for your teeth and gums. For more information, please feel free to contact Houston Dentistry.
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