Your smile lights up a room like the sun lights up the sky. But did you know the two are actually connected? While most people don’t relate a sunny day with their teeth, the sun offers some surprising benefits for your oral health.
Sunlight goes a long way in protecting your oral health and making you feel your best.
And now that summer is here, it’s the perfect time to learn about this amazing connection so you can maximize the benefits of the season. Don’t forget that a proper daily dental routine and regular visits to the dentist is a must whether you are in the sun or not.
Get your Vitamin D
The sun is a primary source of vitamin D, which is vital in helping the body absorb calcium. Why is this important for your dental health? Because adequate calcium intake is necessary to keep your teeth (and bones) strong and healthy.
Without it, tooth enamel can easily decay, leading to a wide array of tooth problems from overall sensitivity to painful cavities. It’s much easier to prevent these issues by keeping teeth strong, rather than trying to treat them.
Additionally, vitamin D from the sun helps boost the body’s immune system, prevents inflammatory reactions, and improves the body’s ability to fight off infections. This means an adequate supply of vitamin D in addition to healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can greatly reduce your risk of gum disease and other oral ailments.
Watch Out for Over Exposure
When it comes to sunlight and your smile, there can be too much of a good thing. No matter what part of your body is exposed to sunlight, it’s important to remember that over exposure can lead to sunburn and increase susceptibility for things like premature aging, sunspots, or even skin cancer. These susceptible areas can include the face and lips, the gateway to your smile.
Always take the appropriate precautions by wearing sunscreen and/or long pants and shirts to protect your skin. Experts advise avoiding the outdoors during peak times, typically between 10am and 2pm, when the sun is most powerful. Hats and sunglasses can also protect the face and eyes from too much UV exposure.
Vitamin D Deficiency & Oral Health
If you fear you’re not getting adequate exposure to meet your vitamin D needs, there are some steps you can take to increase the amount of vitamin D in your diet. For example, you can add supplements, increase the amount of fatty fish you consume, or up your intake of dairy products that are also fortified with vitamin D.
If you do fear you’re missing this key nutrient, always speak with your healthcare professional before adding any of the above into your routine, especially if you have a preexisting condition and/or are taking other medication to ensure no adverse interactions.
The Mental Health Boost
Spending time in the sun is guaranteed to boost your mood – it’s science! When spending time in the sun’s rays, your body releases feel good chemicals like serotonin that help you feel happier and relaxed. What can that lead to? A beautiful, carefree smile! Photo shoot at golden hour, anyone?
Final Thoughts
Sunlight serves as a primary source of vitamin D for the human body. This necessary nutrient helps your body absorb calcium from your diet in order to keep teeth and bones at their best, while promoting a healthy immune system and gums.
Getting the appropriate amount of vitamin D and practicing good habits such as brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning appointments will ensure your teeth are as strong and healthy as possible.
Achieve Optimal Dental Health at Commerce Twp’s Top Dentist
Ready to make sure your smile looks its summer best? Then step outside! But first, give our Commerce Twp Dental Office a call to schedule your next cleaning to make sure you are on track with a beautiful and lasting smile.
When you visit our dental office, you’ll find that Dr. Sedki offers a full range of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, gum rejuvenation, and more, backed by a friendly and caring staff.