Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin as it can be manufactured by the body when exposed to the sunlight. Approximately 80% to 90% of the required amount of this vitamin is made in this way. However it is estimated that up to half the population worldwide may have insufficient levels of this vitamin which can often be down to lifestyle. Vitamin D can only be found in a few foods such as fatty fish, and because of this it is often added to dairy products to make it more easily accessible. When you next buy dairy products or fruit juice then just take a look at the label to see if it has been fortified with this vitamin as you could be helping to improve your smile.

Vitamin D and Dental Decay

One of the problems faced by many of our patients here at Leeds City Dentalcare is dental decay, but research at the end of last year shows this vitamin may help lower the risk of cavities. The research looked at 24 different clinically controlled trials that took place over a 60 year period from the 1920s to the 1980s. Evidence collated from these trials showed that vitamin D was associated with approximately 50% reduction in the risk of cavities. This claim is something that has long been in dispute, as while vitamin D’s role in supporting healthy bones is well known, evidence for its role in preventing tooth decay has been the subject of much dispute. As early as the 1950s the US National Research Council and the American Medical Association reached the conclusion that vitamin D could be beneficial in helping to manage dental cavities, something that the American Dental Association disagreed with when reviewing the same evidence.

The trials that were recently reviewed took place in a number of different countries including Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Austria and Sweden. The participants were aged between two and 16 years and received increased amounts of vitamin D through supplements or UV light. Although the importance of this recent review is still up for debate, making sure you receive sufficient vitamin D certainly can’t do any harm. It is also important to remember that having a healthy diet won’t help you if you don’t receive regular dental care.

Leeds City Dentalcare can help Keep Your Teeth Cavity Free

Visiting Dr David Brown or another of our dentist in Leeds will help keep your teeth and gums free from disease. We usually recommend that most patients pop in to see us at six monthly intervals for a check-up and professional cleaning. We’ll be able to detect any early signs of dental decay through visually examining your teeth, and through the use of dental x-rays at regular intervals. If you have children then we recommend they have the chewing surfaces of their back teeth sealed as soon as their adult teeth have erupted. These surfaces are especially prone to decay as the grooves and fissures can be difficult to clean. You may also have these teeth sealed as an adult, provided they are free from decay and do not have any fillings.

Much of our focus in our Leeds surgery is on preventive dental care, and we are very keen on patient education. If you feel you would like additional information on how to look after your teeth, and the best way to prevent cavities from forming then we do encourage you to ask our dental team for advice.