This morning I was reading away about all things dental – as I do. I stumbled across an article about Vitamin D and Dental Health. As I read it, it all made perfect sense, but something I have not really thought about before. You see, having correct levels of vitamin D is crucial, not only for our health in general, but also for our teeth and gums specifically.
Vitamin D is very important for your oral health as it is what allows us to absorb calcium (which we all know is crucial for our teeth and bones). Without it, your entire mouth would suffer from calcium deficiency, leading to underdeveloped teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. So then I started to think about my vitamin D intake and if I get enough of it. Turns out that very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.
So how do we get more vitamin D?
- Spend time in sunlight. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” because the sun is one of the best sources of this nutrient. …
- Consume fatty fish and seafood. …
- Eat more mushrooms. …
- Include egg yolks in your diet. …
- Eat fortified foods. …
- Take a supplement if recommended by your GP…
Along with your regular 6 monthly checkups, good oral hygiene and a balanced diet we know we can prevent dental decay and disease. And now with the days being cooler but the sun still shining, this weather makes it perfect to pop on the walking shoes and head out for a small dose of sunshine! Why not? Helps to increase the vitamin D. Promotes good physical and mental health…and now we know – it also helps your smile!!
