Your teeth are made from the strongest substance in your entire body. However, they are not invincible. Just like other parts of your body, your teeth can break, decay or get infected. And as you probably already know, once your permanent teeth are lost, they don’t regenerate or grow back. That’s why it is important to do all you can to take care of them. Beyond seeing your dentist every six months and brushing daily, you should also be eating a proper diet for a healthy smile. Did you know that you can boost your oral health by consuming proper amounts of Vitamin D?
You are probably familiar with the fact that calcium is good for your teeth and bones. The truth is, calcium and vitamin D go hand in hand. In fact, without enough vitamin D, your body doesn’t efficiently absorb the calcium that you eat. Vitamin D essentially helps to break down calcium, making it a smoother and quicker process so that your body can use it readily. Research has shown that getting enough calcium and vitamin D is linked to decreased bone loss and tooth loss! Keep in mind that while your teeth aren’t considered bones, they are supported and kept in place by your jawbone.
How to Get Your Vitamin D
It can be difficult for some patients to meet the daily recommended dosage for calcium and vitamin D as given by the American Dietetic Association, which include the following:
- 2,500 mg/day of calcium
- 1,000 units/day of vitamin D
While there are supplements available for these vital nutrients, you can also consume them naturally through foods and drinks such as:
- Dairy products
- Soy and rice drinks
- Salmon and other fatty fish
- Almonds
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Are you getting enough Vitamin D for a healthy smile? We’d love to help you care for your smile at Park South Dentistry. In fact, that’s what we specialize in. Schedule your routine dental exam today and let us get you on track for a brighter and healthier smile this year.
