A sunny smile with increased vitamin D

After this winter we’re all looking forward to spending more time outside, not just in the garden, but a bit further afield too. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and feeling thankful for the science that’s getting vaccines into our arms. Getting outside in brighter weather is such a mood lifter, bringing out our sunny smiles.

Vitamin D helps the human body to absorb calcium, a mineral that’s vital for bone health. In fact, 99% of the calcium in our bodies is found in our bones and our teeth. Moreover, vitamin D differs from other vitamins our bodies need in that our skin can synthesise it through a chemical reaction triggered by exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet radiation.

However, we should protect ourselves from the from the sun’s rays. As we know, the link between sun exposure and skin cancer is real.

Eat for a sunny smile

Getting the essential amount of vitamin D is important for our teeth and bones. By contributing to keeping the jawbone strong, Vitamin D can help prevent tooth loss. Moreover by helping keep tooth enamel strong to prevent tooth decay, vitamin D supports healthy teeth and better breath too.

To reduce the risk of bad breath, lower the chance of tooth decay and gum disease try eating food with a higher level of vitamin D.

Here are some foods rich in vitamin D:

• fish, especially raw fish, such as herring, salmon, mackerel or tuna
• fortified milk
• pork
• eggs

And here are foods rich in calcium:

• dairy products, such as yogurt, milk and cheese
• fortified dairy alternatives, such as soy milk
• sardines and salmon
• tofu
• green leafy vegetables
• fortified breakfast cereals (but watch out for the sugar content!)
• nuts and seeds, especially almonds, sesame, and chia
• legumes and grains
• cornmeal and corn tortillas

Keeping to a balanced diet, low in fat, sugar and salt, is good for our teeth and good for our general health too.

• What is the best drink for our teeth?

Throughout our lives, our teeth have to work hard to bite and chew our food, so by making healthy choices, our encouraging our children to make healthy choices we have more of a chance of keeping teeth in good shape for longer.

Getting ready to get back out there?

If you’re looking forward to more of a social life, consider some extra dental care to give your smile a lift. Our two most popular suggestions for a sunny smile:

• An appointment with a dental hygienist to clean the plaque away.
• Prescribed tooth whitening from a dentist to rejuvenate your look.

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