It’s important for people to get enough vitamins and minerals in their diet to keep their bodies healthy, and as dentists, we especially value the ways that nutritious foods provide what we need to make sure our teeth and gums are healthy. Vitamin D has always been known to keep our bones healthy when combined with calcium, but did you know that vitamin D is also effective for your gums too? If you have some minor symptoms of gingivitis or have health conditions that make you more prone to gum disease, then we’re here to tell you how vitamin D can keep your oral health in fantastic shape.
How Your Gums and Vitamin D Work Together
Many people throughout the United States face off against gingivitis, one of the most common oral infections to date. Gingivitis affects more than 50% of the U.S. population in people over 30. Even while most cases of gingivitis are mild, it’s quite easy for those infections to go beyond and turn into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a more advanced version of gingivitis, creating pockets of infection within the gums that cause the gums to inflame and pull away at the teeth. Many strains of bacteria often play a role in this condition, causing the teeth, gums, and jawline to become highly vulnerable to decay. If these strains of bacteria enter the bloodstream for long enough, it can even become life-threatening for those with heart conditions.
Vitamin D may be able to help prevent the ongoing cases of gingivitis. Studies from the Medicina peer-reviewed journal show that this vitamin gives a significant boost to your gum health. According to the study, vitamin D can decrease inflammation, making it critical towards fighting off infection. In many ways, because of its ability to decrease inflammation, vitamin D can also:
- Boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections
- Block off toxins that release when bacteria decay
- Combined with calcium, it can help rebuild jawbones affected by periodontal disease
- It can help remove infections and bacteria that have entered the bloodstream.
The Best Ways To Gain Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a great part of our diets. Because of its ability to boost the immune system and assist with bone health, we highly recommend vitamin D for aiding in your oral health. If you believe you may be lacking in vitamin D, contact your primary physician to ask about better ways of getting vitamin D in your diet. You can also ask about getting vitamin D supplements to help make sure that your body’s getting the nutrients it needs. And if you’re suffering from gum disease? Arrange an appointment with your dentist today to learn about various treatments for gum disease alongside ways to prevent gum disease from reappearing. Also, spend some time in the sun! You can gain sufficient amounts of vitamin D just by spending a few hours outside.
