Have you ever heard of vitamin D being referred to as nature’s “sunshine vitamin?” That’s because it’s both a hormone and a vitamin that can either be absorbed through the foods you eat or produced naturally by the body in response to sunlight. However, sometimes it’s hard to get as much vitamin D as our bodies need, especially as we age past 60 when there can be a natural reduction in how much of it you can produce.
When our diet and lifestyle fail to provide our body with an amount of vitamin D, a deficiency is very possible. According to this article written by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, intake of the vitamin might range from 4.13 to 5.3 micrograms per day. The average American is generally consuming 4.9 micrograms a day making nearly all Americans at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Another article published in May shows vitamin D levels have been gaining more attention to oral health professionals such as your Wilmington holistic and biological dentists. It says “during growth and adulthood, vitamin D deficiency is associated with a wide variety of oral health disorders and impaired vitamin D synthesis may expedite some of these conditions.”
In younger patients, a lack of vitamin D can negatively affect tooth mineralization of dentin and enamel defects. The article also says that vitamin D deficiency “has been associated with higher prevalence of periodontitis and gingival inflammation.”
As your holistic and biological dentists in Wilmington, we always ensure that we take the total body approach to dental care, focusing on more than just your mouth. We also care about what you put in your mouth or body in terms of nourishment. Do you know what some good sources of vitamin D might be? Take a look at this list:
Interesting fact: Most dairy products are fortified with vitamin D so if you’re lactose intolerant or don’t consume these products you might be running low.
The best way to know if your oral health is on the right track is to visit our holistic and biological dental office in Wilmington for a consultation and conversation. Schedule some time to meet with us and discuss your options. Contact us online or by phone at (302) 239-1641.