Many people realise that vitamin D is essential for good health but are unaware of its impact on oral health. Receiving enough vitamin D can reduce the rate of tooth decay and prevent other serious diseases like gum disease. One study showed that children who received a vitamin D supplement every day had fewer cavities than those who didn’t receive the supplement. However, many people do not get enough vitamin D each day.
The most common way to get vitamin D is through sun exposure, but fear of sun damage means most people spend their time in the shade or use sunblock. Another possible factor is that many families eat a lot of processed foods which is lacking in nutrients. Even someone who practices good oral care is at increased risk of cavities if they have low vitamin D levels.
If you are concerned you don’t receive enough vitamin D, ask your doctor for a blood test. If needed, they can then prescribe a vitamin D supplement or suggest other ways to receive this vitamin. One way is to spend at least 10 minutes every day in the sun without sunblock. However, vitamin D is also found in foods like fish and milk.