Most people know that Vitamin D may be important in supporting strong bones. One of the reasons for this might be because vitamin D could help reduce the number of fractures through different mechanisms for a particular group of people (study).*
But did you know that this vital nutrient also plays an important role in dental health? Vitamin D may be an essential vitamin to help support healthy teeth.*
Read on to learn more about how vitamin D promotes dental health and what you can do to help get enough of this important nutrient.
Vitamin D and oral health
Vitamin D is essential for many aspects of overall health, including oral health. This important nutrient helps to regulate the absorption of calcium (study) and phosphorus (study) in the body and intestine, two minerals that may be vital for strong teeth and bones (study).*
Vitamin D might also help to reduce inflammation in the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease in specific populations (study).*
These specific studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency might be associated with an increased risk of tooth loss in adults with specific conditions.*
How to get your vitamin D for teeth and oral health
There are several ways to get vitamin D. One of the best ways is to spend time outdoors in the sun. Just ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure a day can help give your body the vitamin D it may need.
You can also get vitamin D from certain foods, such as fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cereals. You might also take a supplement if you have a vitamin D deficiency.* Some teeth and gums vitamins formula include vitamin D.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for overall health, including oral health. You can also learn more about the role of vitamin C on oral health.
Be sure to talk with your dentist or doctor if you think you might be deficient in vitamin D so they can help you determine the best way to get enough of this important nutrient. As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements in general, teeth & gums vitamins, and other oral care supplements.