Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Vitamin D Helps Teeth Stay Strong

Thursday, November 29, 2012

We know that vitamin D helps us keep strong bones but now we have proof that it can be linked to lower rates of tooth decay.

A review of 24 controlled clinical trials was published in Nutrition Reviews,and showed that vitamin D was associated with a 50% reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.The findings of this study were not surprising to Dr. Michael Hollick of Boston University Medical Center, "the findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of vitamin D for dental health." He continued, "children who are vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries."

The importance of vitamin D is newsworthy because levels are decreasing among many populations and tooth decay levels in young children are rising.

Our bodies can make some vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight but dietary sources are also needed. Moms used to give children cod liver oil which contained heavy doses of vitamin D but I don't think most kids today would tolerate that. Good dietary sources include:

Salmon
Fortified milk and chese
Fortified orange juice
Tuna
Eggs
Fortified breakfast cereals (check the label)

Healthy levels of vitamin D also help reduce inflammation, aid immune and neuromuscular function and help modulate cell growth. Vitamin D works together with calcium to give us strong bones and protect us from osteoporosis.

Contact Boca Raton cosmetic dentist Dr. Ken Mogell today at 561-394-9000.

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