Vitamin D isn't technically a vitamin; it may be considered a hormone that is activated as Cholecalciferol after exposing the skin to sunshine. It's also referred to as the sunshine vitamin due to the way it is produced in the skin. Usually, a person needs to spend about 15 minutes in the sun to get this important vitamin. You can also obtain it by consuming certain foods or supplements.
How Vitamin D Affects Your Teeth
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, therefore it is important for healthy gums and teeth. The deficiency of this fat-soluble vitamin can contribute to oral issues such as tooth decay and periodontitis. Since this vitamin helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorous, it helps with bone and tooth mineralization.
If the levels of the vitamin are unregulated, your teeth weaken, making them susceptible to decay, cavities, and chipping. Lower levels of vitamin D in your body are also associated with the risk of periodontitis, perhaps due to its role in the immune system. Although not fully understood, the sunshine vitamin seems to impact inflammation as well as mineralization effects on gums or tissues surrounding your teeth.
How to Get Vitamin D
Spending time in the sun helps you get this vitamin. However, you should be careful because too much exposure to sunlight can lead to skin burns or even skin cancer. Another way you can get this vitamin is by eating foods that contain it, for example, cod liver oil, trout, and salmon. Some foods are even fortified with vitamin D such as milk and cereals. You can also try out supplements containing vitamin D. To find out how vitamin D helps your body and teeth visit our dental office. Our dentist will be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning vitamin D and its connection with oral health.
Our Dental Blog | Smiles of Tulsa - Dentist in Tulsa, OK Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click here to learn more about home care, procedures and more! Smiles of Tulsa, 6565 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 1103, Tulsa, OK 74136 / (918) 891-3059 / smilesoftulsa.com / 3/27/2025 / Associated Words: Preventive Dentistry Tulsa OK /
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Vitamin D isn't technically a vitamin; it may be considered a hormone that is activated as Cholecalciferol after exposing the skin to sunshine. It's also referred to as the sunshine vitamin due to the way it is produced in the skin. Usually, a person needs to spend about 15 minutes in the sun to get this important vitamin. You can also obtain it by consuming certain foods or supplements.