TEETH and VITAMIN D

Dear Parents,

I trust we’re All Excited for Spring!

At each six month check up our conversations are centered around how to keep our teeth as healthy as we can. One topic that I’d like to discuss today is how vitamin D, an important mineral can help prevent tooth decay!

The process of how cavities form is multi-factorial. We all know that cavities occur because of tooth decay, and tooth decay occurs when sugars and starches such as bread, cereal, milk and soda are left on the teeth. We brush and floss, and use mouthwash so that we can keep our teeth clean and cavity free. Of course, we also have to have a good concentration of cavity forming bacteria in our mouth for cavities to form.

In addition, research shows that vitamin D can also assist in keeping our children cavity free. Vitamin D produces cathelicidin and defensins. Both of these proteins have antibacterial effects that help fight bacteria that cause cavities. That is a 74% reduction in cavities in children who had vitamin D exposure through the sun, (vacation anyone!) and a 49% decrease in cavities among those who took vitamin D supplements.

I thought this was a very cool fact that I wanted to share with you parents this month, so if you get a chance spend a little time outside playing and get some sun on your skin, or stop by your local vitamin store and pick up some vitamin D supplements to enjoy every day!

All My Best,

Dr. B

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