Summertime is known for soaring temperatures and long, bright days. You probably already know that you will need sunblock, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from all the extra ultraviolet rays. Too much sun increases the likelihood of developing certain health conditions, like skin cancer, so it’s important to take precautions.
But do you know how it impacts your smile? It may come as a surprise, but there’s a strong connection between daylight and having a happy grin. When you’re exposed to sunlight, your body creates vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in preventing potential dental problems. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of getting enough of this essential ingredient and how you can increase your levels to safeguard your smile!
How Does Vitamin D Support My Dental Health?
This naturally occurring nutrient plays a major role in your body’s ability to build and maintain healthy bones and muscles. It also supports your oral well-being in the following ways:
- Calcium absorption. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods that you eat and integrates them into the enamel for stronger, more resilient teeth.
- Cavity prevention. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and safeguards your smile from disease-inducing bacteria and potential injury. Vitamin D keeps it healthy, so your teeth are 50% less likely to develop decay.
- Supports Immunity. Studies have also indicated that this ingredient helps regulate and balance your immune system, which means your body is better equipped to fight off harmful germs that cause gum disease.
How Do I Increase Vitamin D Levels?
If you’re not sure whether you are getting enough vitamin D, your dentist or doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine how much is in your system. Fortunately, it’s easy to increase the numbers if they’re low. The simplest way is to take a 15 to 20-minute walk outside during peak sunshine on a clear day. That’s all that’s needed to boost your levels to the recommended daily amount to better safeguard your smile.
For those who prefer their air conditioning to natural heat and light, you can ingest vitamin D as a dietary supplement to increase your levels without spending time outdoors. It can also be found naturally occurring in foods like fatty fish, eggs, and milk. If you’re a picky eater, you might do better with a fortified product like cereal, fruit juice, or yogurt.
Now that you know more about how getting enough sunshine can boost your oral condition, you can take advantage of the longer summer days to naturally protect your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Rachel H. Clark enjoys helping families improve the quality of their daily lives by improving their oral health. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Wichita State University and then earned her dental degree from Creighton University. Now, she offers a wide array of services to meet your needs all under one roof. A mother herself, she understands how challenging dental care can be with children. She strives to make every visit relaxed and engaging so that you and the entire family enjoy a stress-free experience. If you’d like an appointment, you can request one on the website or by calling (316) 847-7730.