Why Does Getting Outside Help Dental Health?

As you probably know, being outside has many health benefits. Studies over the years have shown that it helps reduce anxiety, improves your sleep, and even boosts your focus. However, did you also know that it can make your teeth and gums healthier? That’s right — putting yourself outdoors amidst the fresh air and sky will guard your oral health in Carmel. To learn more, here are the dental benefits of vitamin D.

The Power of Vitamin D

When you get outside and expose your skin to sunlight, your body naturally produces vitamin D. This compound has essential oral health functions, including:

It Stops Tooth Decay

When there’s enough of it in your body, vitamin D lets you absorb calcium from your diet. The latter is the raw material that — alongside phosphorus—creates the bony structure that makes up tooth enamel. In other words, vitamin D strengthens said your teeth’s top layer against plaque, bacteria, and other harmful substances.

The same goes for the layer beneath the enamel. This part of your tooth, called dentin, has “guardian” cells that sit at the border of your enamel and release immune factors. These cells can repair their surroundings, but only if there’s enough vitamin D present. When there isn’t, then your defense system doesn’t have the fuel to protect and fix infected teeth.

It Prevents Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a sign of poor oral health and an inflamed immune system. Your mouth is an extension of your gut microbiome, where most of the immune system is primed. Like the gut, the mouth has microbes and immune cells that constantly interact.

Fortunately, vitamin D plays a role in managing the immune system. Controlling how and which immune cells are formed, it can protect you from germs, viruses, and infections. Naturally, that protection also covers gingivitis and periodontitis.

Other Places to Find Vitamin D

If necessary, there are other ways to get vitamin D; after all, it’s present in many kinds of food. The ones with the most vitamin D tend to be:

• Fatty fish
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Milk

The outdoors is already invigorating on its own, so knowing that it helps your teeth just makes it better. That said, get out there for 1-2 hours each day so your smile can enjoy it as much as you do!

About the Practice

Springhetti Dentistry is based in Carmel, IN. As led by Dr. Aaron Springhetti, their team gives patients the focused, personalized attention needed for quality dental care. That being the case, they provide excellent preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency dental services. From children to adults, anyone can get a great smile at this practice. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (317)-875-7645.