During the long hot days of summer, it can be tempting to sit inside and enjoy the cool air conditioning. However, did you know spending time out in the sunshine can actually benefit your oral health in Jefferson? The sun’s rays give your body vitamin D, an essential component for healthy teeth and gums. While it’s important to keep cool during the current heatwave, don’t avoid sunshine altogether. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of vitamin D and how you can be sure that you’re getting enough this summer.
How Does the Sun Impact Your Smile?
Spending time in the sun is the best way for your body to get the vitamin D that it needs. When the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays reach your body, they interact with a protein called 7-DHC in the skin, converting it into vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays a key role in absorbing and retaining calcium and phosphorous for bone and tooth mineralization. Lack of vitamin D can lead to an extreme calcium deficiency, which can contribute to a number of serious health problems, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal disease
- Underdeveloped teeth
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
How Much Time Do You Need to Spend in the Sun?
The amount of time you need to spend out in sun depends on the amount of melanin in your skin. Simply put, melanin is the substance in your body that produces the color of your skin. It also absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays and protects your cells from sun damage.
The best time to go outside is around midday when the sun’s UVB rays are the most intense. People with less melanin – those with lighter skin – should spend between 10 to 30 minutes in direct sunlight a few times a week in order to produce a healthy amount of vitamin D. People with darker skin tones tend to need to spend more time outdoors – 30 minutes to three hours a few times a week – to create the same amount of vitamin D as lighter-skinned individuals.
Other Sources of Vitamin D
Although spending time in the sun is the best way to get vitamin D, certain foods and beverages also contain this important vitamin, including:
- Fortified cow’s milk
- Fortified breakfast cereal
- Egg yolks
- Fatty fish
- Beef liver
- Portabella mushrooms
If you are worried about getting enough vitamins, you could also try a dietary supplement or multivitamin.
Avoid calcium deficiency and maintain a healthy smile all summer long by enjoying a safe amount of time in the sun! Talk to your dentist for more tips about how to prevent cavities and boost your oral health in Jefferson.
About the Author
Dr. Casey Hammond has over a decade of experience helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. The proud Ohio State University graduate is certified in dental implant placement and is an active member of the Ohio Dental Association. To learn more about how getting outside can boost oral health, visit the Dental Group of Jefferson website or call 440-576-7040.