What the Outdoors Can Do for Your Dental Health

The sun does more than offer warmth in the daytime: it provides us with free access to vitamin D. While vitamin D is essential to many of your body’s functions, it offers significant benefits to your oral health by boosting your immune system. Here are some of the dental benefits of spending a few hours in the great outdoors.

How Can Vitamin D Help My Teeth?

Vitamin D is critical to your essential body functions, playing a big role in guiding your calcium balance and immune system, both of which manage your bones, diet, and overall health. If your vitamin D levels are low, your immune system does not have enough to fight off bacteria or repair infected teeth. Vitamin D helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease

How You Can Maximize Your Vitamin D Levels

If you’re worried about your vitamin D intake, here are some simple lifestyle changes that can increase how much you’re getting:

• Have Fun in the Sun – The sun is a great source of vitamin D, but be sure to protect your body with sunscreen. Don’t worry, most studies have shown that sunscreen doesn’t lead to vitamin D deficiency!
• Eat Vitamin D Rich Foods – Some examples of vitamin D rich foods are fatty fish, eggs, organ meats, cereal, and milk.
• Vitamin D Supplements – While supplements are available over-the-counter, if you’re struggling to increase your vitamin D levels, consult your doctor about which products and dosage they recommend.

Additional Oral Benefits of the Outdoors

Other than vitamin D, the outdoors provides a lot for your teeth. After a long day cooped up inside under artificial or fluorescent lighting, the sun is a welcome friend. Being active and outside, whether you’re going for a walk or just taking in the sun’s warmth, can refresh your mind and energy levels. Stress can cause jaw clamping or tooth grinding, which can damage your teeth or cause pain in the jaw joint and muscles known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Relaxing in the outdoors or engaging in regular exercise can help you avoid stress and maintain your oral health.

About the Practice

Vollo Dental Group is led by husband-and-wife dentists Dr. Joseph Vollo and Dr. Katherine Vollo. They are committed to your oral health and are dedicated to tailoring treatment to your dental needs. If you want to know more about how to protect your teeth, you can contact Vollo Dental Group through their website or by phone at (585) 225-9114.