Importance of Vitamin D for Your Teeth

Teeth play an extremely important role in the health of the human body. It has recently been discovered that tooth decay can actually lead to heart problems and even cause death, if the infected matter finds its way into the bloodstream. It is for this reason that the health and care of one’s teeth is of the utmost importance. Not only should ones teeth by inspected by a dentist, but so should the gums. Gum disease, known as periodontal disease or gingivitis, is another major cause of health risks and there are many ways to cure – or at least put the brakes on – this danger.


The dangers to one’s physical wellbeing caused by tooth decay and periodontal disease are manifold; and it is for this reason that dentists are now recommending the intake of Vitamin D in an effort to combat the harmful effects on one’s health.


Vitamin D is produced in the skin of the human being but, for production to take place, one’s skin has to be exposed to ultraviolet B light from the sun. In this day and age with the hole in the ozone layer and the medical profession warning people not to be out in the direct sun for fear of activating various skin cancers, it seems a contradiction in terms. Does one risk skin cancer to protect one’s teeth and bones? The answer is a resounding no, because one can buy Vitamin D supplements over the counter at very little cost.


How does Vitamin D affect the health of one’s teeth (and bones, which are of a similar composition)? The answer is that Vitamin D, per se, does nothing in this department by itself, as it has to be combined with calcium in order to be productive. Calcium is, in fact, a metal which is not only found in the human body (like iron), but in specific foods which have high calcium levels. Calcium is one of the major components of one’s teeth and bones at around 70 percent but, as one ages, the levels of calcium in one’s body decline. It is for this reason that medical professionals recommend taking a calcium supplement after the age of around 40, if one’s calcium levels are found to be too low (by way of a simple blood test). Calcium can be absorbed into the body by the intake of certain foods, specifically dairy products and dark green vegetables.


The symbiotic nature of Vitamin D and calcium lies in the fact that calcium is not easily absorbed by the skeleton and teeth without the help of its catalyst, Vitamin D. Once both are taken together on a daily basis, Calcium levels in the body will rise, thus helping to keep ones bones and teeth strong. Vitamin D has also now been found to help to a great degree in controlling periodontal disease, by encouraging growth or even just strengthening the bones around one’s teeth; and also because it contains an anti-inflammation property which assists in calming gingivitis.

http://www.dentistry.net/dental-nutrition/vitamin-d-for-teeth/