You already know that good dental health depends on regular oral health practices and a healthy diet low in sugar. But did you know that vitamin D also plays a role?
Scientists and researchers for the past 100 years have noted geographical variations in dental health. A study as far back as the Civil War showed an 8% military service rejection rate in Kentucky for lost teeth compared to a 25% rate in New England.
The connection between geography and sunlight exposure was made in the 1930's when researchers found that subjects living in more sunny areas had half as many tooth decay issues as those in less sunny areas.
In a study conducted in Oregon in the 1950's, dental decay was lower on the sunny side of the state and more pronounced on the rainy side. Vitamin D from sunlight's ultraviolet rays was identified as a factor in calcium metabolism. Both the sun's rays and vitamin D induce cathelicidin, an antimicrobial polypeptide that fights oral bacteria.
Vitamin D has many health benefits in addition to reducing dental decay. If you don't spend much time outdoors or if you live somewhere without a lot of sunlight, make sure you and your family are receiving sufficient levels of this important vitamin.
If you have questions or concerns about vitamin intake, give us a call or contact your physician. We invite you to subscribe to our monthly wellness newsletter for more tips on your oral health. Dr. Damion Gilday in Eugene, OR looks forward to answering your questions and helping you achieve optimal dental health!
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