With summer on the horizon, we are looking forward to seeing more sunshine – and not just for beach days! Studies have shown that Vitamin D, which your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight, can aid your oral health.
Why Vitamin D?
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial roles in the oral cavity.
It helps the body naturally destroy bacteria while decreasing inflammation of the gums.
If you’re not taking in enough Vitamin D you’re not just foregoing that summer tan. A deficiency of Vitamin D is proven to put you at risk for gum disease and other conditions.
“We know that supplementation [of Vitamin D] may also improve tooth retention, along with routine dental care and good oral hygiene,” said Elizabeth Krall, MPH, Ph.D., a researcher at Boston University Dental School and Tufts University Nutrition Research Center.
Tips For Getting in Your Vitamin D
- Eat foods rich in Vitamin D like wild-caught fish, egg yolks, shittake mushrooms, milk, yogurt, almond milk, orange juice, breakfast cereals, oatmeal, and cheese.
- Take a supplement: Vitamin D supplements can help you get your proper daily dose. However, too much Vitamin D can be toxic so be sure to talk to your doctor before choosing a dosage.
- If you can’t make it outside, try sitting under ultraviolet lamps and bulbs. But, once again, before to consult your doctor first – too much time under these lamps can put you at risk for skin cancer.
Be sure to visit our social media pages all month long for more tips and information on how you can keep up your oral health!
