It is very likely that you have heard about how important it is to brush and floss regularly with good technique. Your oral health depends on consistent, quality oral hygiene practices. However, these aren’t the only factors in the health of your smile. Your diet has a significant influence on your teeth and gums. More specifically, eating foods high in vitamin D can greatly improve your smile. Learn more with the expert team at Parkcrest Dental Group.
How Vitamin D Affects Your Oral Health
We all know that calcium is important in the formation and protection of our bones and teeth. However, vitamin D plays a key role in the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, your body can typically only absorb around 10-15% of the calcium you ingest. Not only does it help with calcium absorption, but it also plays a role in nearly every aspect of your body — from heart health to your immune system.
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Luckily, it’s very easy to get vitamin D. In fact, you can get it just by standing in the sun! Spending a few minutes in the sun each day can increase our vitamin D levels substantially. However, as winter weather has arrived in full force, days are getting shorter and time spent outside is less enjoyable. So what is a health-conscious person supposed to do?
Supplement Your Diet with Vitamin D
When sunshine is hard to come by, you can supplement your diet with foods that offer lots of vitamin D. It is generally recommended to include one to two servings of food that are rich in vitamin D, per day. Some of those foods include:
- Fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines, etc.)
- Egg yolks
- Dairy products
- Organ meat
If you are unable to consume these foods because of allergies or lack of access, consider a daily supplement that contains vitamin D. Many one-a-day vitamins offer vitamin D as well as other helpful vitamins and nutrients.
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Schedule Your Next Appointment With Parkcrest Dental Group
Your oral health is incredibly important, and a balanced approach is a great way to keep your smile looking and feeling great for years to come. Combining a healthy diet with regularly scheduled visits to a dentist and healthy oral hygiene is a recipe for success. Schedule your next dental appointment in Springfield, MO, at Parkcrest Dental Group.
