Vitamin D is very rightly called as the “Sunshine vitamin” and it is, because your body is able to produce the vitamin when your skin has the appropriate exposure to the right kind of sunlight.
So why is Vitamin D so
important for your body?
Its primary functions include regulating calcium and phosphorus absorption and supporting healthy immune system operation. Therefore adequate amounts of the vitamin are essential for growth and development of bones and teeth as well as to improve resistance to certain diseases.
How does vitamin D
affect your dental health?
Because it is crucial for calcium regulation, vitamin D aids in the development and maintenance of strong, healthy teeth in both children and adults. It is believed that adequate vitamin D levels minimise gum inflammation and offer defence against the oral bacteria linked to gum disease.
Low levels in children can affect tooth development, causing teeth to be weaker in adulthood and more prone to cavities or chipping. In adults unregulated levels of the vitamin could hamper the health of the surrounding supporting structures of your teeth, mainly the jaw bone. This could lead to increased mobility of the teeth.
One could even face increased amount of gaps due to reduction in the bone height around the tooth, encouraging food accumulation and in turn increased gum problems.
Small changes in your lifestyle and diet can make the difference in keeping your vitamin d levels updated
We all keep incredibly hectic schedules and spend the most of our time inside studying or working nearly never in the sunlight. Make sure you get up to 30 minutes of natural sunshine each day because of this. Do not forget to keep your arms and face exposed. Be aware that your liver, immune system, or digestive problems could affect how your body converts vitamin D, so these should be watched carefully.
Add vitamin-rich
items to your diet
Try to intentionally add vitamin-rich items in your diet each day. Fatty fish, organ meats, egg yolks, butter, yoghurt, and cheese (from pasture-raised animals) are all excellent sources of vitamin D3. Given this short list, it is understandable why it might be challenging for some people to get all the vitamin D they require from food alone.
For supplementation
consult your doctor
These are great in terms of getting your daily required dose of Vitamin D without much effort making it easy for people with dietary restrictions and for those whose vitamin D levels are way below normal range. Be sure to consult your physician for the correct dose and frequency before you take any supplements.
You now know that one of the most important factors in maintaining good dental health is vitamin D, which can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Through your diet and lifestyle choices, you can control your vitamin D levels. Understand that eating for healthy teeth also implies eating for a healthy body. So do not forget to ask your dentist about your vitamin D levels at your next appointment.
