Here Comes the Sun, Here Comes the Smiles!

New Englanders can find it difficult to find time to enjoy the sun, especially during blustery cold winter months. When the sunshine disappears, our moods are lulled, our immune systems are down, and we do not feel as energized. When we’re lucky enough to enjoy the sunshine, the Vitamin D helps regulate our calcium levels, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and protect us from varying diseases!

According to the Vitamin D Council, “Dental caries, more commonly known as tooth decay, are tooth infections caused by bacteria that lead to a loss of the hard tissue on your teeth.” Statistically speaking, “92% of adults aged 20-64 years old have had dental caries in their permanent teeth.” These caries form a sticky layer of bacteria on our teeth and demineralize our enamel. There are some good bacteria that reside in our mouth that helps to successfully break down foods and sugars that we consume. However, when these dental caries are formed, they create the unwanted tooth decay. Vitamin D can also increase the amount of those good antimicrobial proteins that can destroy decay-causing bacteria.

In being a phosphate and calcium regulator, Vitamin D helps to keep our teeth healthy. The calcium is said to fortify our teeth and support jaw and bone strength. More sunlight brings more Vitamin D, which in turn allows us to have stronger teeth and prevent decay. As mentioned in recent studies, there is a higher risk of cavities for people living in regions with little sunlight, sometimes double the risk compared to those living in regions with more sunny days.

With its multitude of benefits, Vitamin D also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Periodontal disease, which causes inflamed gums and bacteria, is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. If there is more Vitamin D present in our bodies to prevent this, less inflammation will occur.

But what about those who are residing in places that rarely see the light, what actions can they take to infuse their bodies with this valuable vitamin? Even though the glistening beams reflecting off our face and soaking into our bodies warms us and brightens our spirit, there are other ways to grab your daily dose of Vitamin D. Seek it from foods that have high levels of it including, “egg yolks, fatty fish, soy milk, orange juice, and cereals.” Also, in purchasing Vitamin D supplements you can also soak up the benefits of sunlight.

It may be difficult to grab your dose of Vitamin D from the sun everyday, especially living in a subzero New England winter, so take these alternatives into account. If we have more Vitamin D present in our systems we not only will have stronger bones, but healthier teeth as well, and be able to keep on smiling radiantly for the whole world to see!