We are all told to hide from the sun, or wear proper protection. While wearing protection is good, we want you to know the benefits on your oral health by spending your summer days in the sun. It might seem strange to think that the sun would have anything to do with your oral health – after all, you don’t have to wear sunscreen on your teeth, right? The good news is, no you do not have to wear sunscreen on your teeth. The other good news is that the sun is good for your oral health and is one of the best ways to get the vitamins you need for proper bone health.
Vitamin D
The one vitamin that we get from the sun is Vitamin D. This is a crucial vitamin for bone and teeth health. Vitamin D is not a vitamin that we all produce in adequate amounts. If your body is lacking this important vitamin, your oral health could pay the price. Being in the sun is the most natural way to obtain this vitamin in the amounts necessary to ensure optimal oral health. We are not saying that you should be laying out in the sun for 8 hours a day, however; just 20 minutes a day around 3 days a week is adequate enough to increase your Vitamin D production.
What Does Vitamin D Do?
Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium and phosphorous, both of which are important to your oral health. Your teeth require adequate amounts of all of these nutrients in order to be strong. This is because your teeth rely on the strength of your bones. If your jawbone is weak, your teeth become loose and you are subjected to the risk of tooth loss and will need replacements. Even dental implants are not an option for you if you have a weak jawbone as the implants would have nothing to keep them stable. In addition, Vitamin D can help you fight against various diseases, including oral cancer – which is a leading killer in America.
Kids and Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also very important for the oral health of your children. Studies show that children can have problems with the growth of their teeth if they lack Vitamin D. This could lead to serious oral health issues as they enter adulthood, requiring them to see us for dental implants or other tooth restoration options. In addition, low levels of Vitamin D can put a person at higher risk for tooth decay, which can pave the road for tooth loss and the need for implants.
It is important to get enough sun to keep your Vitamin D levels up without risking your physical health. Just 20 minutes a day for 3 days a week is enough to increase your levels. After that, you should take the proper precautions, including wearing protective clothing or sunblock. You should be getting adequate sun exposure throughout the year, not just in the summer months – Vitamin D can help to keep you healthy during the cold winter months as well.
If you are worried about your Vitamin D levels, talk to us so that we can see how it is affecting your oral health. If you have already experienced bone loss, we can help you bulk the area back up so that you can be a candidate for dental implants if you have lost teeth already. We are here to help you ensure optimal oral health now and well into the future!
Please call us for your evaluation today!
