Spring is here, and it’s the perfect season to spend time outside! Whether you choose to go to the park or have a picnic with loved ones, you can be sure to get a breath of fresh air in the process. But did you know being in the sun can also improve your oral health? Keep reading to discover how going outside is a good preventive measure for keeping a healthy smile!
The Importance of Vitamin D in Your Smile
Your body naturally converts sunlight into vitamin D—the hormone responsible for regulating your calcium balance and immune system. These two components together guide how minerals are distributed throughout the body, especially when it comes to your teeth development and health. For this reason, vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium from your diet and building strong enamel.
Additionally, vitamin D protects your smile by maintaining a healthy immune system. Without a sufficient amount, you might have a greater risk of certain dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Ways to Manage Vitamin D Levels
To avoid vitamin D deficiency, here are several minor adjustments you can make to your daily habits:
- Lifestyle: Since sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, you should try spending more time outside every day. Getting up to 30 minutes of natural sunshine, while exposing your face and arms, can provide a sufficient amount for your teeth and body. However, having immune, digestive, or liver issues can influence how much vitamin D gets converted.
- Diet: When you aren’t outside, you can still receive this essential hormone from certain dietary choices. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels simply requires one to two servings of rich food sources, including eggs, fatty fish, organ meats, yogurt, and cheese.
Spending time outside on a sunny day helps your smile stay healthy as much as it can relieve stress. Consult your dentist if you ever think you might have vitamin D deficiency, or if you wish to know best practices for maintaining strong teeth, and they’ll be more than happy to help!
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau received his dental doctorate from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and has been practicing for over 40 years. He has a passion for helping patients maintain their oral health and achieve their best smiles. He provides multiple advanced treatments ranging from dental checkups to emergency care. If you want to know more about the importance of vitamin D in your dental health, visit his website or reach him at 985-809-7645.