Beginning in 2007, daylight savings time will be extended by almost a month. This additional amount of daylight may also help extend the life and health of people’s teeth and bones. That’s because vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is made by the body through casual and minimal sun exposure. Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones, according to a paper published in the Journal of Periodontology.
“Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation,” said Dr. Charles Hildebolt of the Department of Radiology at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. “Inflammation is a well recognized symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal diseases.”
Research shows that the best means of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D is from sunshine. According to the National Institutes of Health, season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreen affect ultraviolet ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. Ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least 2 times per week to the face, arms, hands or back is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. People who live in an area with limited sun exposure may want to eat foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, sardines, and tuna fish.
A number of infectious diseases have been linked with low levels of vitamin D, and it has been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress proinflammatory cytokine production. “Periodontal disease increases the production of cytokines, but it has been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress cytokine production, and possibly decrease the risk of periodontal disease,” explains Hildebolt.
“Further research is needed to define the health risks associated with inadequate levels of vitamin D and calcium intake and how they affect periodontal diseases,†said Vincent J. Iacono, DMD, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Until we have further information, it is prudent for patients to talk to their healthcare providers about the possibility of taking vitamin D and calcium supplements.”
(Source: American Academy of Periodontology)
