Vitamin D and your Oral Health

Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

Did you know that vitamin D plays a significant role in your oral health? The main duty of calcium is to keep our teeth and bones strong and healthy. However, vitamin D is required for calcium to do its job by effectively absorbing into our bones. You can get vitamin D from the sun, but these cold, winter days may mean less sun exposure for most of us. If you do not consume enough dairy that is fortified with vitamin-D and lack sun exposure, vitamin D supplements may be needed to keep your oral health in check.

Keep in mind, however, that maintaining proper oral hygiene of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are also important measures to take to ensure your oral health remains optimal. But, if you are brushing and flossing as recommended by your Bloomsburg dentist yet still get cavities, vitamin D deficiency could be to blame.

Cavities

Our dental enamel is comprised of phosphate and calcium. This outermost layer of our teeth acts as a protector to the underlying dentin layer. Cells found in the dentin layer use vitamin D to fight against tooth decay. Therefore, if you are deficient in vitamin D, you could be increasing your risk of tooth decay. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. If not treated, gum disease can lead to tooth decay or worse – tooth loss. Vitamin D can fight inflammation and thus, protect against gum disease. If you lack vitamin D, your supporting jawbone could suffer, compromise the sockets surrounding each tooth, and result in gums that bleed. Keep in mind that oral hygiene plays a significant role in preventing gum disease, but low levels of vitamin D could wind up combating your oral hygiene efforts.

Immune System

Vitamin D also plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system. If your body lacks the necessary amount of vitamin D, you are more susceptible to infection, including gum disease as mentioned above. A healthy body leads to a healthy mouth, and vice versa. Be sure that you are getting enough vitamin D to keep not only your mouth healthy but your body as well.

Am I getting enough vitamin D?

The only way to know for certain whether you are getting enough vitamin D is to receive a wellness checkup from your primary healthcare provider. Simple blood tests can determine your levels of vitamin D, and how much you may need to supplement if any.

However, here are some signs that your body may be lacking in vitamin D.

• Chronic fatigue
• Bone or back pain
• Sick often
• Depression
• Slow to heal wounds
• Bone loss
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away for testing. Your body will thank you, and so will your oral health!

Dental Care in Bloomsburg

To learn more about oral care or to schedule a consultation, contact Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570) 387-0533.

Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.