How Does the Sun Help Your Teeth?

Vitamin D- “The Sunshine Vitamin”

What is the easiest and most natural way to get Vitamin D?  Through your skin! Your body was designed to absorb Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun.  The more skin you expose, the larger amounts of Vitamin D your body can absorb.  The time of day and the color of your skin can affect the amount of Vitamin D absorption.  For time of day, the best time to suck up some of those sunshine rays is when the sun is high in the sky.  As for skin color, the darker your skin, the less amount of vitamin D  the body can absorb.

How Does this Help Your Teeth?

The body needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium.  Without the proper amount of Vitamin D, your body will not be able to produce enough of the hormone calcitriol otherwise know as “the active vitamin D”  needed to maintain good teeth and bones.  When the body suffers from insufficient calcium absorption, the body must take calcium from its stores in your skeletal system.  This is turn weakens existing bones and teeth.

How Do I Keep My Teeth and Bones Strong?

It’s simple really.  Take a few minutes every day to just sit outside and enjoy the sun on your skin.   It takes very little effort but the affects of vitamin D production extend far and beyond just Calcium absorption.  If you are unable to make time for the sun, there are supplements available to help you.  Experts recommend a daily intake of 600 IU of Vitamin D up to age 70. These vitamin D supplements are typically found at any pharmacy.

As always when it comes to your pearly whites, regular brushing and flossing on a daily basis is recommended.  And don’t forget, regular visits to your dentist will help ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.