Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies produce it in response to sunlight exposure. However, its benefits extend far beyond lifting our mood. In this post, we’ll explain vitamin D’s role a bit more thoroughly and highlight specific ways it helps your oral health.
Vitamin D & Oral Health
Many associate vitamin D with bone health. That’s a great start on the path to understanding the way that vitamin D affects your oral health, but many don’t understand how vitamin D does its job to help our bodies.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption. Calcium is the essential mineral needed for strong teeth and bones. This vitamin helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease by promoting the absorption of calcium in the teeth and supporting the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
How Do I Get Enough Vitamin D?
If you eat a healthy and diverse diet of fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy, you should have no problem getting the vitamin D you need daily. Some vitamin D-rich foods include fortified milk and cereals, orange juice, tuna, eggs, rainbow trout, cheese, and yogurt.
It’s also important to get outside and soak up some sun (just remember the sunscreen). When sunlight hits your skin, the ultraviolet rays react with a protein in your skin called 7-DHC. Your body then converts that protein into vitamin D.
Comprehensive Dentistry in Grafton, Massachusetts!
The state of your oral health often starts with what you put into your body. A consistent diet rich in body-supporting vitamins and minerals gives you the fuel and building blocks you need to keep your smile healthy and strong.
If you have more questions about the role of vitamin D in your oral health or are ready to schedule an appointment, call Grafton Dental Care today! Our friendly staff is always eager to help!
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