Sunshine for Your Shiny Teeth: How Sunlight May Help Your Smile

Summer is here again, and that means plenty of heat and lots of sunshine. While this makes the season great for hanging out by the pool or lake, many people don’t realize that moderate exposure to sunshine can have benefits for their oral and overall health. Here’s a brief overview from your dentist of how getting a little sunlight can help your body produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient for digestive, bone, and dental health.

What Does Vitamin D Do for My Health?

Sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which can bolster a person’s oral and overall health in ways such as:

• Helping the body absorb calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and vitamin D plays a key role in helping the body absorb it during digestion.
• Preventing tooth decay: Several studies point to a negative correlation between vitamin D and tooth decay. Some researchers report that a healthy amount of vitamin D may cut a person’s risk of tooth decay in half.
• Supporting the immune system: There is a complex connection between vitamin D and the health of the immune system. This essential nutrient helps balance and regulate the immune system so that it can protect the body from infections.

How Much Sun Is Ideal for Vitamin D Production?

While moderate sun exposure is certainly a great way to increase your vitamin D levels, it’s important to remember that too much sunshine can lead to unpleasant consequences such as sunburn and a greater risk of skin cancer. Most researchers report that you may only need five to thirty minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day to increase your vitamin D levels. After that, slather on the sunscreen to keep your skin safe.

What Are Some Other Good Sources of Vitamin D?

The sun isn’t the only way to get vitamin D. A few excellent sources of this important nutrient include:

• Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish
• Milk
• Eggs
• Fortified yogurt, cereal, or orange juice

Getting the right nutrition is a crucial part of maintaining your oral and overall health. By getting enough vitamin D, you may be setting yourself up to have a healthy smile for life.

About the Author

Dental Expressions provides the community of Freedom, WI, with the finest dental health services available. Led by Drs. Bob and Heather Heil, the staff ensures that each patient has a stellar experience in a friendly and comfortable office environment. The practice offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about how proper nutrition can bolster your oral health, contact the office online or dial (920) 788-6280.