Summertime is here, meaning it’s time for holiday plans, travel, or family activities while school is out of session and work hours are more flexible. It’s possible that you already visited your dentist for a checkup before starting your summer activities. After all, the peace of mind you gain from knowing your pearly whites are clean and protected allows you to make the most of your vacation. Are you aware, though, that you can boost your smile just by spending time outside in the sun? Keep reading to learn how.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps our bodies absorb the calcium necessary to keep our bones and teeth strong. While it can be found in some foods, our greatest source comes from our own skin when we absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun. Our teeth, along with the rest of our bones, are at risk of growing brittle and breaking without this key ingredient. That means getting outside in the sunshine directly contributes to keeping your grin in tip-top shape!
How Else Does Vitamin D Help?
Another way Vitamin D contributes to our oral health is by reducing the risk of gum disease, which can develop when bacteria from plaque on our teeth get underneath our gums. If infection worsens or is untreated, there could be further decay or even tooth loss.
Thankfully, Vitamin D activates infection-fighting cells in our system that help keep gum disease at bay. You can prevent inflammation and reduce risk simply by basking in the warm glow of the sun’s rays!
How Much Sun Do I Need?
Where you live, the time of day, and the season can all impact how long you would need to be outside to produce the desired amount of Vitamin D. Generally speaking, if 25% of our body (hands, face, neck, and arms) are exposed, it takes about 8-10 minutes when the sun is at its highest to provide what your body needs.
If you’re wearing sunblock while you are out and about (which is always recommended) then you need more time to compensate. Be careful, though; you don’t want to get burned or risk developing skin cancer. If your skin starts to feel hot or appears more pink or red than usual, then it’s time to head indoors!
What Are Other Sources of Vitamin D?
If it’s particularly rainy, or simply too hot to spend much time out of the house, don’t worry! Though the simplest way to get this necessary nutrient is through sunshine, you can also find it in some foods like:
- Fatty fish, like salmon
- Cod liver oil
- Mushrooms
- Eggs
- Canned tuna
- Fortified dairy products, like milk or yogurt
- Fortified fruit juices
These sources can help your system maintain the Vitamin D levels needed to keep your smile healthy even if you’re stuck inside.
Now you have one more reason to spend time outside at the swimming pool or mingling with family at a backyard barbecue this year. The Vitamin D you’ll gain just by being present can help shield your teeth from harm and keep your mouth happy all summer long!
About the Practice
At North Garland Family Dental, you have access to both a highly trained general dentist as well as a periodontist all under one roof! Dr. Megan Snyder earned her doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry and has nearly a decade of experience caring for teeth of all shapes and sizes. Dr. Yaritza Vazquez achieved her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine. She then completed her Residency in Periodontics at Boston University where she mastered procedures like dental implants and cosmetic gum surgery. If you are interested in scheduling a checkup, you are welcome to reach out to the office on the website or by calling (972) 530-7979.
