The Best Vitamins for Healthy Teeth: Why You Need Vitamin D
When asked about the best vitamins for oral health, most people would likely place calcium at the top of the list. It’s a good answer—calcium is stored in your teeth and helps prevent decay, keeping them strong enough to chew your food.
Calcium isn’t the only thing that keeps your smile in good shape, though. Despite many people being unaware of it, vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for healthy teeth.
How is Vitamin D related to your dental health, and how do you get enough of it? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Vitamin D and Where Is It Found?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your body regulate its levels of calcium and phosphorus. It’s vital for the health of your bones, organs, and immune system.
The primary way that humans get this vitamin is by spending time in direct sunlight. When exposed to UVB rays, your skin synthesises the active form of vitamin D from a molecule called 7-dehydrocholesterol.
You can also get vitamin D from foods including the following:
- egg yolks
- fish and mollusks
- fortified soy (tofu, soy milk, etc.)
- mushrooms
- fortified milk and yogurt
- pork chops
If you want to get the best vitamins for teeth, try to consume as many as possible in your food rather than relying on supplements. During the winter or rainy season, though, you may have to take supplements to make up for a lack of sunshine, especially if you live far north or south of the equator. Keep in mind that because Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, your meal needs to contain some amount of fat for your body to absorb it from food.
Vitamin D and Dental Health
Vitamin D benefits your oral health in two main ways. The first is by helping your body process calcium and use it to fortify your bones and teeth. This lowers your risk of tooth decay and strengthens your teeth so they’re less likely to crack or chip.
Along with this, vitamin D also improves the health of your gums, decreasing your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. Researchers believe this is due in part to the anti-inflammatory effect it has on your body as a whole. Some also believe it’s because vitamin D helps produce anti-microbial peptides, lowering your risk of infection.
If you think your vitamin D intake might be affecting your oral wellbeing, talk to your dentist about your concerns. They’ll be able to identify the signs of a deficiency and give you recommendations for vitamins to strengthen teeth and improve mouth health.
Take Your Vitamins for Healthy Teeth and See Your Dentist for the Rest
Eating a diet rich in vitamin D and spending time in the sunshine is a great way to keep your mouth in good shape. But no matter how many vitamins for healthy teeth you ingest, seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and other dental treatments is necessary to keep your smile in tip-top shape.
If you’re in need of any cosmetic, restorative, or general dentistry, The Bondi Dentists are here for you. Give us a call or contact us online today to book an appointment.