Summertime has arrived! Now that the weather is warm and you have exciting summer plans coming up, you will likely be spending more time in the great outdoors! Whether you are going for outdoor runs or relaxing by the pool, the sun’s rays are doing their job by providing various benefits for your body – including giving you vitamin D! With about 1 billion people in the world suffering from vitamin D deficiency, it’s important that you aren’t lacking the sunlight you need. Read on to learn why it is so crucial for your oral health.
How Does the Sun Affect Your Smile?
As you spend more time in the sun, your body absorbs vitamin D. This is important because it is the vitamin that helps your body regularly with the amount of calcium that it has. Calcium is a mineral that is known for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Without vitamin D, you would be suffering from an extreme calcium deficiency, causing you to experience a number of problems for your dental health. Here are some of the most notable ones.
- Gum disease
- Underdeveloped teeth
- Cavities
Calcium deficiency doesn’t only affect your smile. It is also linked to other medical issues throughout the body, like:
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle weakness
- Cancer
How Much Sunlight Do You Need?
The duration of time needed for a sufficient amount of vitamin D absorption depends on the person. This is because humans have a wide spectrum of skin tones that absorb the sun’s rays at a different pace. People who have darker skin tones have more melanin, which protects them from over exposure. Because of this, those with darker complexions need anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours more than Caucasians, who only need about 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week.
The best time to go outside to take part in the sun’s rays is midday during the summer. This is when the UBV rays are most intense. By doing this multiple times a week, this can make a huge difference in the amount of vitamin D and calcium your body has.
How Else Can You Get Vitamin D?
The best way to get vitamin D is from the sun, but you can also absorb It through certain foods. Here are some good sources.
- Fatty fish
- Fortified
- Egg yolks
- Portabella mushrooms
- Dietary supplements
Vitamin D is crucial for the health of your entire body, including your smile! By spending enough time outdoors in the sun this summer, you are taking a step to keep your bones and pearly whites in good health!
About the Author
Dr. Mike Christensen earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Since then, he has sought advanced training in dental implantology and surgery. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, Utah Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (907) 268-2015.