With winter behind us, the sun is out and the weather is warm. Many of us are hitting the jogging trails or enjoying a little time outdoors in the fresh air. Did you know that spending just a few minutes a day outdoors can actually help strengthen your smile? Dr. Diep Truong explains how increasing vitamin D exposure can safeguard your smile against tooth decay.
Vitamin D and Dental Health
Recently, the University of Washington released a landmark study that encompassed clinical trails spanning from the 1920s to the 1980s. The study examined over 3,000 children in various countries and found that vitamin D production decreased the risk of cavities by 50%. For years we’ve known that vitamin D was essential for building strong bones. However, there was littler evidence to suggest the ability of vitamin D to boost the strength of our tooth enamel prior to this study.
Go Outside!
When we’re exposed to as little as ten minutes of ultraviolet light, the body absorbs vitamin D, which increases the production of calcium. Just as calcium strengthens our bones, our tooth enamel benefits from calcium production, as well. In addition to exposure to the sun, there are other methods of obtaining vitamin D, including:
- Supplements
- Fortified dairy products
- Egg yolks
- Liver
- Certain fish, such as mackerel or tuna
- Cod Liver Oil
See Your Dallas TX Dentist
Vitamin D helps improve the ability of our outer enamel to withstand the onslaught of oral bacteria. However, a little time outside alone isn’t sufficient to combat cavities. You should still maintain good oral care habits, such as:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Flossing once a day
- Reducing the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar and other starches
- Undergo a checkup and dental cleaning twice a year
About Dr. Truong: Dallas TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, DDS offers a comfortable dental care employing the latest in cutting-edge dental technology. Our patients in Dallas and Richardson have access to innovative preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
