Are you one of the many who were raised with the knowledge that Vitamin D is an essential part of growing healthy teeth and bones? If so, then you likely make a regular habit of ensuring your diet is rich in it. What is good to know is that, in addition to bones and teeth, this vitamin is a component of your gums’ oral health as well. While you can include Vitamin D in your diet by drinking fortified dairy products, vegetables, and fruits, there’s an easier way. Our body is naturally able to produce Vitamin D when we spend time in the sun, and it’s relatively easy to get how much you need in a day. Doing so ensures that you’ll have a great defense from periodontal disease.
Vitamin D and Periodontal Disease Are Closely Linked
Almost everyone has to deal with gingivitis at some point in their lives, but it rarely advances into the more serious condition known as periodontal disease. When gingivitis doesn’t receive proper treatment, it has the opportunity to advance into this stage which can have serious repercussions for our oral health. When dealing with this condition, you may experience your gums pulling away from your teeth, creating gingival pocketing. Your teeth may also loosen and be at risk of falling out, and eventually, you may experience bone decay in your jaw.
The American Society for Microbiology produced studies exploring streptococcus mutans and the role Vitamin D has in managing it while protecting your gums and teeth. The result of these and other studies revealed the following points:
- The mutans bacteria are directly connected to tooth decay and periodontitis, and Vitamin D has demonstrated antibacterial properties that are effective against it.
- Found in Vitamin D are two properties that are known as defensins and cathelicidins that have been demonstrated to have a limiting effect on oral bacteria.
- MMP is an enzyme, also known as metalloproteinases, that are connected to periodontal disease and have shown to be particularly sensitive to heightened levels of Vitamin D.
- When periodontitis has affected the health of your jawbone and gums, Vitamin D was shown to be able to help them recover from the damage.
Vitamin D has been doing so much more than strengthening our bones and teeth all these years; it’s clearly been a friend in maintaining our oral health. The presence of Vitamin D in the bloodstream has also been demonstrated to reduce the presence of periodontitis-related bacteria when in sufficient amounts.
How To Get The Vitamin D That You Need Each Day
There are numerous foods that you can include in your diet to ensure you get enough Vitamin D, including eggs, shrimp, salmon, and red meat. While these are great sources, without question, you can also get it by spending a few hours out in the sun a few days a week. Daily supplements are also available in the form of pills that will ensure you get your daily dosage with ease. Just call your dentist if you want more points about getting Vitamin D and what it does for your oral health.
