What are the oral health benefits of vitamin D?
What role does vitamin D play in our oral health? The benefits might surprise you. Here our affordable dentist in Lincoln, NE will cover these important topics:
- What are vitamin D receptors, where can they be found, and what does vitamin D actually do?
- What does research say about cavities and vitamin D benefits?
- The connection between vitamin D and oral health, simplified.
Vitamin D benefits are very important for your teeth. Essentially, it increases the amount of calcium and phosphate you are able to absorb from the food you eat. The enamel (the outside covering of your tooth) is the hardest and most mineralized substance in the human body. Thus, it contains mostly calcium and phosphate.
By increasing the amount of calcium and phosphate our body is able to absorb, we can improve the strength of our teeth. Also, we can increase our teeth’s ability to fight demineralization from acid produced by bacteria. This same acid and bacteria are responsible for the development of cavities in our mouths. Your teeth’s natural resistance to bacteria that causes demineralization is improved by increasing absorption of calcium and phosphate. The calcium and phosphate give strength to our enamel. So, by getting enough “D” vitamin, we are able to keep our enamel healthy and strong.
In our bodies, Vitamin D receptors are located in the immune system and in teeth. They work to bind to these receptors for this important vitamin. By binding to the receptors, we are able to increase the amount of good antimicrobial proteins in our bodies. This in turn helps to combat the bacteria that causes dental cavities. In addition to this benefit, the cells in the teeth called odontoblasts that form dentin and enamel, contain vitamin D receptors, meaning that this vitamin may play a role in their functioning. Simply put, this vitamin may also help us form dentin and enamel in our teeth’s developmental process. Only if, however, it is consumed during the correct time period.
What does the research say about cavities and Vitamin D?
Some research has shown that winter and early spring seem to be the most common times for cavities. These seasons are also when the levels of vitamin D in a person are most likely to be the lowest. Those who live closest to the equator, with the most sun exposure, are less likely to develop cavities in some studies. Making cavities related to both geographic location and sun exposure. In some children with Early Childhood Caries, mothers were commonly found to have lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy vs mothers whose children did not have ECC. In a 2013 review from the US it was found that supplementation of the D vitamin could result in a 47% reduced rate of dental caries in children below 13 years of age. However vitamin D supplementation in those older than 13 years old had no significant effect, especially in girls. .
One of the most common topics studied with Vitamin D and cavities or dental caries connections relates to early childhood caries. On average, children with Early Childhood Caries are found to have lower levels of this particular vitamin than children who live a healthy lifestyle. Mothers of children who presented with Early Childhood Caries also were found to have lower than average vitamin D levels during pregnancy in some studies. Some studies found that if a mother was supplemented, however, while pregnant it was able to reduce the amount of enamel defects in their children. By reducing the rate of defects, they are also able to reduce the risk of dental cavities in children. Studies that focused on general supplementation of vitamin D also concluded that it is effectively able to prevent cavity development.
Will supplementing with additional vitamins cause me any harm?
Consumption of this important nutrient, vitamin D in particular, is unlikely to cause harm. It it important to remember, however, that there should not be any harm as long as you take 10,000 IU per day. It is not fully understood if supplementation can help treat or prevent cavities in other age ranges. But, if you have dental caries the supplementation cannot hurt as long as you do not exceed the daily maximum. The benefits of taking this vitamin should NOT be taken in place of getting your cavities fixed, or instead of normal medication you take from your doctor’s office.
Any of our Lincoln Family Dentists would be happy to talk with you about supplements for your oral cavity health. And it is always advisable to check with your general doctor to make sure extra vitamin D will not impact any medications you are currently taking. Finding a family dentist that you trust is critical in maintaining excellent oral health. In addition, routine dental cleanings for adults and children, can be the key to early detection for any oral health problems.
Summary of the Connections Between Vitamin D and Our Dental Health
- There is a definite link between Vitamin D consumption and dental caries.
- It has been found that supplementation of this vitamin can reduce the rate of cavity development.
- Mothers who have low vitamin D levels are more likely to give birth to children who will develop cavities later on in life or have the condition of early childhood caries.
- Children with early childhood caries were found to have lower vitamin D levels then healthy children
Wishing you health and happiness,
Dr. Jodi Day
The information on this page was written by Dr. Jodi Day.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “My patients deserve personalized, quality dental care in an atmosphere they feel comfortable in. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, our team of caring professionals are committed to providing you with a comfortable and positive dental experience. Our goal is to partner with you to help you achieve and maintain optimal dental health throughout your lifetime.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist online 24/7 at her West Lincoln Location of Nebraska Family Dentistry. This Lincoln, NE dentist serves the local communities close to Coddington Dental in Garland, Pleasant Dale, Denton, Crete, Milford, Hickman, Roca, Martell, and Panama.
I am looking forward to meeting you soon, Dr. Jodi Day