{"id":1360,"date":"2023-07-21T04:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T04:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.islandcoastdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1360"},"modified":"2023-08-21T04:26:55","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T04:26:55","slug":"vitamin-d-supports-healthy-teeth-and-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.islandcoastdentistry.com\/blog\/vitamin-d-supports-healthy-teeth-and-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Summer Sun Good for Your Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"FoodsSummer is here, which means spending plenty of time outdoors enjoying the warmer temperatures and sunshine. A beautiful tan isn\u2019t the only benefit of soaking up the sun. You can give your dental health<\/a> a boost by spending a few minutes outside every day. Here\u2019s how you can support a healthy smile by enjoying more time outside this summer.<\/p>\n

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Vitamin D Supports Your Dental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your teeth are a living and functioning part of your body that require vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. You know that calcium is crucial for strong teeth, but vitamin D is equally important. Your body can\u2019t absorb calcium without vitamin D. Your bones and teeth will become weak if you are deficient. Your enamel may not have the strength to protect your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin D deficiency can also affect how your immune system regulates cells to fight infections, like gum disease. At least 50% of Americans have gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss and is linked to various health issues, like heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers have found that 42% of adult Americans are deficient in vitamin D. You can ensure you\u2019re getting enough of the vitamin to keep your mouth and body healthy by taking a daily walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare professionals recommend people aged 1 to 70 years old receive 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily, but most people don\u2019t know they aren\u2019t getting enough until after having a routine blood test, despite various signs, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n