Vitamin D is one of those vitamins we all know quite a bit about. It’s an essential component in developing healthy bones and teeth. Beyond that, it also happens to be exceptionally good for our gums. Recent studies have revealed multiple factors in Vitamin D that serve to prevent periodontal disease. Further, it can help our bodies fight it off once it takes hold. This property makes getting enough Vitamin D more important than ever before. Now you’ll have strong bones, healthy teeth, and great gums!
How Periodontal Disease Is Prevented With Vitamin D
Our bones and teeth are dependent on Vitamin D to grow strong and healthy. Our gums also benefit from this incredible vitamin. It has the ability to protect us from Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease. Problems with gum disease begin when this bacteria penetrates the gum line and begins to take hold. As the disease advances, it can damage our gums, infect our dental roots, and promote jawbone decay. In the worst instances, it can pass into the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
Research into Vitamin D and its effect on our dental health bring uplifting news. This vitamin has several properties that make things uncomfortable for streptococcus mutans. In addition to the durability and resilience it brings to our bones, its molecular components also provide the following benefits:
- Antibacterial Properties: Vitamin D often gets credited with bone and tooth health. While this credit is well deserved, it is also able to fight off bacteria. Most notably, the streptococcus mutans bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.
- Defensive Proteins: Within this vitamin are found unique properties known as defensins and cathelicidins. These intrinsic substances help to boost the immune system and fight alongside our white blood cells by breaking down bacterial walls.
- Calcitriol: One active component resulting from Vitamin D that contributes to bone and tooth strength is calcitriol. This substance also boosts the amount of available calcium in our system. This additional calcium is essential for repairing existing damage and is produced in the kidneys.
- Reduces Metalloproteinases: Metalloproteinases are one component in the cause of periodontal disease. Vitamin D and calcium, when present in the bloodstream, can reduce their presence in our bodies. This reduction, in turn, reduces the risk our gums face from periodontal disease.
These are just the most prominent ways that Vitamin D helps our body defend against gum disease. As research continues, new ways are being discovered. Every day we realize that our body is more complex and unique than before. What’s clear is that it’s more important than ever to get enough Vitamin D.
Easy Ways To Get The Necessary Amount of Vitamin D
Thankfully getting Vitamin D is easy, especially if you like the sun. Getting a few hours of sun on your face and hands each week produces enough Vitamin D to keep you going. You can also take Vitamin D tablets, drink plenty of milk, and choose foods high in this vitamin. Want to know more? Reach out to your dentist.
